#31: Miyoshi Umeki and Red Buttons (1958)

In 1958, Miyoshi Umeki made history as the first East-Asian actress to win an Academy Award, earning Best Supporting Actress for her poignant performance in Sayonara. Her understated, profoundly moving portrayal of a Japanese woman in a doomed interracial romance resonated with audiences and critics alike.

That same night, her onscreen fiancé, Red Buttons, also won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film. Umeki’s victory was a groundbreaking moment for representation in Hollywood, though opportunities remained scarce for Asian actors. Despite this, her Oscar win remains a decisive milestone in cinema history.