Cover US President Joe Biden awards the Medal of Freedom to Actress Michelle Yeoh during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 3, 2024 in Washington, DC (Photo: Getty Images)
US President Joe Biden awards the Medal of Freedom to Actress Michelle Yeoh during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 3, 2024 in Washington, DC (Photo: Getty Images)
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The ceremony was a historic moment as Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian actress to receive this esteemed recognition
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh was honoured with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest accolade bestowed by the United States, in a formal ceremony held at the White House last night.
US President Joe Biden presented the award to the 61-year-old luminary, recognising her groundbreaking achievement as the first Asian woman to clinch an Oscar for Best Actress.
This historic win was for her stellar performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once at the 95th Academy Awards last year.
Read more: 7 women who have helped to advance women through history to today
During the ceremony, President Biden lauded Yeoh for her decades-long dedication to her craft, noting how she has defied stereotypes and shattered glass ceilings, enriching and enhancing American culture in the process.
Hailing from Ipoh, Perak, Yeoh joined the ranks of esteemed individuals who have received this distinction, including Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky, Ellen Ochoa (the first Hispanic woman in space), and Jim Thorpe (the legendary athlete who secured the first Olympic gold medal for a Native American in 1912).
See also: How Michelle Yeoh became an Oscar winner
Above US President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honour, to 19 individuals including political leaders, civil rights icons and other influential cultural icons. (Photo: Getty Images)
US President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honour, to 19 individuals including political leaders, civil rights icons and other influential cultural icons. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Established by former US President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom recognises individuals—both US citizens and non-citizens alike—who have made exceptional contributions to US security or national interests, promoted global peace, or significantly enriched cultural or public endeavours.
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Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
