Michelle Yeoh's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Michelle Yeoh. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Michelle Yeoh is a Malaysian actress celebrated for her action and martial arts film roles in Hong Kong cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Known for performing her own stunts, she gained prominence in movies like Yes, Madam, Police Story 3: Super Cop, and Wing Chun. She has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, solidifying her status as an internationally recognized and acclaimed actress.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1983: Won Miss Malaysia World Contest

In 1983, at the age of twenty, Michelle Yeoh won the Miss Malaysia World contest, which led to her representing Malaysia in the Miss World pageant.

1984: Won Miss Moomba International Pageant

In 1984, Michelle Yeoh won the Miss Moomba International pageant in Australia, adding to her early successes.

1997: Named One of the '50 Most Beautiful People in the World'

In 1997, Michelle Yeoh was recognized by People as one of the '50 Most Beautiful People in the World', acknowledging her beauty and fame.

1999: Member of the Jury at Berlin International Film Festival

In 1999, Michelle Yeoh served as a member of the jury at the 49th Berlin International Film Festival.

2000: Starred in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

In 2000, Michelle Yeoh starred in Ang Lee's wuxia martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a critically acclaimed role which earned her a BAFTA nomination.

April 2001: Awarded Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP)

On April 19, 2001, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP), which carries the title Dato', by Sultan Azlan Shah.

November 2002: Honored as The Outstanding Young People of the World (TOYP)

On November 25, 2002, Michelle Yeoh was honored as The Outstanding Young People of the World (TOYP) (Cultural Achievement) by JCI (Junior Chamber International).

April 2007: Knight of the Legion of Honour

On April 23, 2007, French President Jacques Chirac conferred upon Michelle Yeoh the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour (French: Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur).

October 2007: Presentation of Knight of the Legion of Honour

On October 3, 2007, the Knight of the Legion of Honour decoration was presented to Michelle Yeoh in a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

2008: Ranked Greatest Action Heroine

In 2008, Michelle Yeoh was ranked the greatest action heroine of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying her status in the action film genre.

2009: Listed as One of the '35 All-Time Screen Beauties'

In 2009, Michelle Yeoh was listed as one of the '35 All-Time Screen Beauties' by People magazine, further cementing her status as an iconic actress.

March 2012: Officer of the Legion of Honour

On March 14, 2012, Michelle Yeoh was promoted to Officer of the same French order (Officier de la Légion d'honneur) by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

May 2012: Awarded Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak (SPMP)

On May 22, 2012, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak (SPMP) which carries the title Dato' Seri during the investiture ceremony.

March 2013: Excellence in Asian Cinema Award

In March 2013, Michelle Yeoh received the Excellence in Asian Cinema award during the 7th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong.

June 2013: Awarded Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM)

On June 1, 2013, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) which carries the title Tan Sri during the investiture ceremony.

November 2013: Chief Guest at International Film Festival of India

On November 30, 2013, Michelle Yeoh presided as the Chief Guest at the International Film Festival of India.

February 2016: Officier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

On February 12, 2016, Michelle Yeoh was made an Officier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French ambassador to Kuala Lumpur.

March 2017: Commander of the Legion of Honour

On March 27, 2017, Michelle Yeoh was promoted to Commander (Commandeur) of the Legion of Honour by François Hollande.

2020: Included in BBC's 100 Women List

In 2020, Michelle Yeoh was included in the BBC's 100 Women list.

August 2022: Honorary Doctorate from American Film Institute

On August 13, 2022, Michelle Yeoh received an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree from the American Film Institute.

December 2022: Kirk Douglas Award

On December 9, 2022, Michelle Yeoh received the Kirk Douglas Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

2022: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People and Icon of the Year

In 2022, Michelle Yeoh was named one of Time's 100 most influential people and was recognized as its Icon of the Year, highlighting her impact on the world.

January 2024: Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum

On January 9, 2024, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum for her role as a cultural leader and for her contributions to society.