Asian Heritage in Hollywood History

The transcript discusses Michelle Yeoh's historic Oscar nomination as the first person identifying as Asian for Best Actress. It questions the phrasing 'identifies as Asian' due to Merle Oberon, a biracial actress who was the first Asian nominated but hid her identity due to Hollywood's racism. Oberon claimed to be from Tasmania but was born in India to a Sri Lankan and Maori mother and a British father. She concealed her heritage to fit into the industry's racist standards, which included the Hays Code forbidding interracial romance. Her true origins were only revealed posthumously.

What historic achievement is Michelle Yeoh recognized for in the Oscars?

• First Asian to win Best Director

• First Asian to win Best Supporting Actress

• First person identifying as Asian nominated for Best Actress

• First Asian to host the Oscars

Why is the phrase 'identifies as Asian' used in the context of Michelle Yeoh's nomination?

• Due to a previous nominee who did not publicly identify as Asian

• To highlight her cultural background

• Because she was born in Asia

• To emphasize her nationality

Who was the first Asian to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar?

• Merle Oberon

• Michelle Yeoh

• Sandra Oh

• Lucy Liu

What was the Hays Code?

• A guideline for Oscar nominations

• A code for identifying Asian actors

• A set of rules for film production

• A law for racial equality in Hollywood

Where was Merle Oberon actually born?

• New Zealand

• Tasmania

• Sri Lanka

• India

How was Merle Oberon's Asian heritage revealed?

• Through a public announcement

• By her own admission

• Through a documentary

• Via biographers after her death