Donnie Yen praises Michelle Yeoh for bringing glory to Asians and women

Donnie Yen has worked with Michelle Yeoh on several movies including 'Butterfly And Sword' and 'Wing Chun'. Photos: AP, Michelle Yeoh/Instagram

Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen has praised Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh for doing the Asian community proud with her Best Actress win at the Oscars on March 12.

In a report by Sohu on Monday (March 20), Yen said that he was thrilled when Yeoh was announced as the winner as it has "brought glory to Asians and women worldwide".

"When she won the Oscar, I jumped in excitement. My eyes also became teary. She really deserved it after so many years of hard work and perseverance," said Yen who was also at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

"Ke Huy Quan's speech after winning Best Supporting Actor was also very touching. I'm just so happy to see so many Asians getting recognised with awards," he said.

The 59-year-old also recounted his experience working with Yeoh on Butterfly And Sword (1993), Wing Chun (1994) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016).

"I've known Michelle for so many years. She's always so professional and dedicated when it comes to her career," he said, adding that they became good friends while filming and playing mahjong during their free time.

When asked if he was interested in collaborating with the Ipoh-born star onscreen again, Yen responded yes.

"I'd love to but with so many people (have) lined up (to work with Yeoh), it will probably take another 30 years for us to work together again," he shared with a laugh.

In the interview, the John Wick star addressed the controversy surrounding his appearance at the 95th Academy Awards too.

Prior to the award ceremony, CNN reported that a petition calling for Yen's removal as a presenter had received over 100,000 signatures due to his connections to China's ruling Communist Party.

In regards to the backlash he faced from the public, the actor said: "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I just hope that the world will be more tolerant and loving. There is no need for too much violence."

Yen was born in Guangzhou, China. He moved to Hong Kong at the age of two and immigrated to the US when he was 12.

In 2010, the Ip Man star gave up his US citizenship to become a Chinese citizen. He is currently a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Hong Kong.