Kering Celebrates Women in the Arts: Michelle Yeoh

Kering and the Festival de Cannes are set to honour one of the greatest actresses of our time, Michelle Yeoh during The Cannes Film Festival (16-27 May 2023)

The Cannes Film Festival (16-27 May 2023) is set to honour one of the greatest actresses of our time, Michelle Yeoh. The award ceremony, which will take place during the official ‘Women In Motion dinner’, will be presented by François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, Iris Knobloch, President of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, Director of the Festival de Cannes. This marks the ninth year of the ‘Women In Motion’ programme, which was launched in 2015 with the aim of highlighting the creativity and unique contributions of women in the arts and culture.

Malaysian-born actress and producer Michelle Yeoh has been a trailblazer in the film industry for decades. With her portrayal of complex and determined women, she has challenged gender and age-related stereotypes and inspired many. Her incredible performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once earned her several awards, including the Golden Globe, the SAG Award, and the Academy Award for Best Actress - making her the first Asian actress to win an Oscar in this category.

Michelle has often spoken about the importance of diversity, racism, and ageism in the industry, “I believe that times are changing. There is much more inclusivity. There is more diversity. If you believe in yourself, if you believe, and you have passion in what you do, you don’t give up.Look at me. I’ve been in this business for 40 years and I finally get to be number one on the call sheet.” Her words, a testament to her unwavering spirit and her dedication to her craft adding, “Whatever that glass ceiling was, we just ninja-kicked it out, we shattered it… We are at a crossroads. Change has already begun.”

About receiving the honour she says, “I’m very moved to receive this award. I’m convinced that times are changing; public awareness has certainly grown in recent years. It’s vital that women - in front of the camera and behind it - keep playing roles and telling stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of the world.”

Women In Motion has previously recognised the careers and commitments of Jane Fonda, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, Isabelle Huppert, Patty Jenkins, Gong Li, Salma Hayek, and Viola Davis. Michelle Yeoh is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding examples of the programme’s mission to change the representation of women in the arts and culture.

Michelle Yeoh’s extensive filmography is a testament to her versatility and talent. From her roles in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 1 & 2,Memoirs of a Geisha, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Crazy Rich Asians, to her recent performances in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Star Trek: Discovery, and The Witcher: Blood Origins, Michelle has made her mark on the industry in so many different ways. In 2022, she was named TIME Magazine’s “Icon of the Year.

Kering’s Women In Motion programme is a platform that promotes change and recognises the contributions of women in the arts and culture. From its Awards to its Talks and Podcasts, Women In Motion provides a space for women to share their views on the representation of women in their profession and to inspire future generations of talent. François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, adds, “Through her iconic roles, Michelle Yeoh has managed to shatter every stereotype. Together with the Festival de Cannes, we wanted to recognise her significant contribution to cinema, and her ability to inspire future generations of talent. Presenting her with the Women In Motion Award was the obvious choice.”