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'Everything Everywhere All at Once' star James Hong, 94, gets standing ovation after delivering 'powerful' speech at SAG Awards

94-year-old actor James Hong won everyone's heart after he gave a powerful yet hilarious speech during SAG Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ was the biggest winner at this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards and took home four of the biggest prizes of the night. Interestingly, the movie became the first movie in the history of the award to win trophies in all the categories that it was nominated for. However, the most extraordinary moment came right at the end when the entire cast of the film was on the stage to collect the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Every member of the cast gave short statements about how they felt working on this movie and went on to express their excitement for the recognition they have received. Michelle Yeoh thanked everyone in the cast for making such an amazing movie, but she pointed out the oldest member of the cast, James Hong, and said it took him 69 years to finally be on this stage. The 94-year-old star portrayed the role of Evelyn’s (Yeoh) father Gong Gong in the movie and received universal acclaim.

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Hong was waiting for this moment to arrive all his life and gave a powerful speech that earned him a standing ovation. Also, he started dancing on stage as soon as Yeoh announced that he is 94-years-old.

As soon as Yeoh told the audience that Gong is still acting at the age of 94, everyone stood up and applauded the actor’s determination. Hong began his speech by recalling that he received his ‘SAG Card 70 years ago’. Although his first movie was with Clark Gable, Hong didn’t shy away from reminding everyone that he worked in an era where filmmakers and producers won’t cast Asian actors in leading roles because they were only played by white actors.

“Back in those days, I have to tell you this, the leading roles were played by these guys with their eyes taped up. And the producer said that Asians were not good enough, and they are not box office. But, look at us now, huh?” Hong said.

Hong then proceeded to joke about how Jamie Lee Curtis has such a ‘good Asian name’.

The actor continued his speech by praising the makers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and the producers of the movie for making such a “crazy” movie. He continued, “I don’t know what they were thinking when they wrote the script. Go and see second or third time, I hope, you understand the movie. They do crazy things and I remember, we played a little game before we start shooting. I hope I will come back when I am 100 years old.”

Hong concluded the speech by imitating Yeoh’s Golden Globes response if SAG-AFTRA tried to “kick them off” from the stage.

“That’s all I am going to say because otherwise we’ll be kicked off of the stage, but if they try, I’ll pull what Michelle said, ‘Shut Up! I can beat you up,’” Hong concluded as everyone gave a standing ovation to the entire team.

Fans were in awe of Hong’s speech and praised the veteran actor for giving a hilarious yet powerful speech during the awards ceremony. One of the fans wrote, “This was Everything! And thank you for not rushing the winners- it made for a joyous celebration.” Another social media user tweeted, “If it wasn’t certain before, James Hong locked in Everything Everywhere All At Once’s Best Picture win at the Oscars with this part of his speech.” Another fan noted, “Bro. James Hong's speech for @allatoncemovie #SAGAwards Best Ensemble was the realest ever.” Another social media user tweeted, “This speech had everything!!! Heart, inspiration, history, merciless roasting.” Another fan said, “Why are they even having awards shows this year and not just letting James Hong ramble for like 2+ hours? Put a mic in front of that man and watch him go!”

“James Hong has been doing THE MOST for the last 60 years and I AM SO GLAD he gets his moment here!” wrote another user.

Born in 1929, in Minnesota, Hong began his professional acting career in 1954 and has appeared in over 600 movies, TV shows, and video games. His film credentials include ‘Chinatown’, ‘True Confessions’, ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Black Widow’, ‘Tango & Cash’, ‘Wayne’s World II’, ‘Balls of Fury’, ‘Turning Red’ and many more.

He recently voiced the character of Father Bests in the stop-motion animation movie ‘Wendell & Wild’.