"Call Her Dr Yeoh" — Michelle Yeoh Becomes 1st Asian Actor To Receive AFI Doctorate
Making all Malaysians proud, once again.
By Wayne Garreth — 09 Aug 2022, 02:48 PM
After a 40-year career and more than 70 acting credits under her belt, Michelle Yeoh is officially going to be honoured for her decades-long contributions
In a statement released last Friday, 5 August, the American Film Institute (also known as the AFI) announced that Yeoh will be conferred a Doctorate of Fine Arts degree honoris causa for her contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image.
Such an accomplishment makes Yeoh the first-ever Asian artist to receive this AFI honour.
Yeoh will be honoured at the AFI Conservatory's commencement ceremony this Saturday on 13 August, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
Alongside her will be AFI Trustee Emeritus, Lawrence Herbert, who will also be receiving a Doctorate of Communication Arts degree honoris causa for his commitment to the AFI.
Speaking on their accomplishments, AFI President and CEO, Bob Gazzale, said, "Michelle Yeoh and Lawrence Herbert have inspired the world with their remarkable talents."
Continuing on, he noted, "Though both of these trailblazers have proven impact in vastly different ways, it is their shared dedication to the art of the moving image that provides this proud moment for AFI to shine a proper light upon their gifts given us."
Yeoh is currently sparking Oscar buzz for her performance in the hit movie Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Recalling her many feature successes, the AFI was not shy in discussing some of Yeoh's most accomplished work thus far.
"Yeoh has appeared in more than 70 features and television series, with her filmography showcasing a collection of iconic roles, including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha, Tomorrow Never Dies, Sunshine, and Crazy Rich Asians."
Yeoh in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018).
Image via Screen Rant/Pinterest/PreenYeoh's honorary award puts her among an esteemed group of past recipients, including Maya Angelou, Jodie Foster, Clint Eastwood, Rita Moreno, and many more.
