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Michelle Yeoh, the veteran Malaysian actress, has recently been awarded the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her role in the movie Crazy Rich Asians. Her win marks the first time an Asian actress has won such an award, and her success has opened up a larger conversation about the power of inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry.

In addition to the recognition Yeoh received for her great performance, her win also serves to represent a much bigger milestone: the inclusion of Asian actors in mainstream society. By winning the award, Yeoh is helping to challenge stereotypes and create more authentic and dynamic roles for color actors, particularly Asian color actors.

Besides holding the significance in terms of greater societal acceptance, Yeoh's award worthy performance in Crazy Rich Asians has already had positive ripple effects for the Asian-American community. After her win, there has been a growing conversation among fans and industry professionals alike about the need for more inclusive casting opportunities, as well as a greater appreciation for the talent and resources available within the Asian community.

Apart from creating a more inclusive filmmaking industry, Yeoh’s win could have great implications on the US box office. Crazy Rich Asians was the first mainstream all-Asian cast movie since Joy Luck Club hit theaters in 1993. Its major box office success has put it in good company, among other hit movies like Black Panther and Wonderwoman, which both featured a diverse cast and achieved similar success.

With her latest achievement, Yeoh is helping break down stereotypes and is setting a new high standard for other Asian actors and actresses to follow. She is proof that Asian actors and actresses can be successful in mainstream roles and her win sends a powerful message to the entertainment industry, as well as to all of us, that visibility and representation matters greatly for minority actors.

Michell Yeoh’s long-awaited award win is a great representation of progress in the entertainment industry and her triumph should serve as an inspiration and celebration to us all.