This weekend, actress Michelle Yeoh was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts by the American Film Institute. At the film class of 2022's commencement ceremony, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert—who directed Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All At Once—awarded Yeoh with the honor.
While introducing Yeoh, the Daniels (as Kwan and Scheinert are known) said, "We were very fortunate to have the great privilege of getting to work with the legend, Michelle Yeoh. One of the first things we realized about her was how much kindness she has for the people around her…Not just her kindness, her work ethic, her willingness to be playful and vulnerable, and her bravery."
They welcomed her to stage by proclaiming, "Dr. Michelle Yeoh!"
"You have made my mother the happiest mother in the world today," Yeoh said as she began her speech. "I think now she actually thinks I’m an adult with a real job. I had to keep telling her, ‘I’m not a real doctor, I don’t write prescriptions, mom.’ But she can go around telling everyone, ‘My daughter is a doctor.'”
She went on to speak about her career in the entertainment industry, and encourage the graduates to use their platform for change.
"We are witnessing a profound shift—greater inclusion, more diverse stories, wider access and unlimited global reach," she said. "We have shown in our work and at the box office that we are ready for the opportunities and we deserve more. But inclusion is not a destination, it is a never-ending journey. There is always more we can do to improve our storytelling and it is up to you, the next generation of filmmakers, to keep that momentum going."
She also told the graduates to "feel deeply" and "work passionately."
And, she didn't forget to give them some advice, closing with: "If you hold onto the love of your craft, I promise you that your art will carry you. Be courageous, take chances, break barriers, be proud of what makes you unique. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to fall, because you are learning to fly. Congratulations again. I look forward to seeing what you can do out there. Be kind to yourself, be kind, be kind, be kind."
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
