Malaysians watched with bated breath as the envelope was opened to reveal the winner of the Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 95th Academy Awards.

And in a moment that will go down in history, the name of Michelle Yeoh was called out, making her the first Asian to take home the coveted award for the film "Everything Everywhere All At Once".

“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities,” she said in accepting her award to a standing ovation.

“This is proof that dreams -  dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up," she added.

Yeoh's Oscar win is a true testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. Her performance was a stunning success, showcasing her range and versatility as an actress and leaving audiences spellbound and moved.

Michelle Yeoh plays a Chinese American immigrant who explores the paths not taken in Everything Everywhere All at Once. - REUTERS

Her latest role as Evelyn Quan Wang that showcased Yeoh's acting prowess, which have already earned her widespread critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

This win was no overnight success.

With an illustrious acting career spanning more than 30 years, Yeoh's journey to Hollywood royalty has been a long and arduous one, filled with hard work, dedication and a fierce determination to succeed.

Yeoh originally trained as a ballet dancer, but turned to acting after becoming sidelined with an injury. - IMDB

Whether delivering a knockout action sequence or a poignant dramatic moment, Yeoh brings authenticity and heart to the screen, cementing her status as one of the best in the business.

Born in Ipoh, Perak, Yeoh first made a name for herself as a beauty queen, winning the title of Miss Malaysia in the early 1980s.

But it was her passion for acting that drove her to pursue a career in the film industry, and she quickly made a name for herself with memorable performances in action-packed blockbusters such as Tomorrow Never Dies and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Yeoh's talent and range as an actress soon caught the attention of Hollywood's elite, and she was offered a number of high-profile roles in both English- and Mandarin-language films.

Through the film she is presented with alternate versions of her life, including the glamorous existence of a movie star. - IMDB

Her ability to move seamlessly between action-packed fight scenes and emotional dramatic performances has made her a force to be reckoned with, earning her critical acclaim and legions of fans around the world.

But Yeoh's achievements extend beyond the silver screen. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, she has championed gender equality and women's rights, using her platform to make a positive impact on the world.

Her Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All At Once is a testament to her incredible talent and range as an actress, and cements her status as one of the industry's most iconic figures.

Yeoh certainly shows no signs of slowing down in her career.

With several new projects in the pipeline, including the highly anticipated Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Avatar 3, she's still at the top of her game.

A true trailblazer and inspiration to us all, Michelle Yeoh's star will continue to shine brightly for years to come.

Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert and Jonathan Wang win the Oscar for Best Picture for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" during the Oscars show at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 12, 2023. REUTERS