To honor the global community, we've provided space for nominators who do not identify as American. Most of the nominations on the list are rising stars on the cusp of becoming household names, whose influence, we believe, will become monumental. They are those who are doing the work, gaining success and sharing their talent … and making history right now.Īmerica, meet the next generation of AAPI excellence.ĪBC News Photo Illustration James Hong nominates Chris Naoki LeeĪs an actor who has been a part of this business for nearly 70 years, it has been inspiring to see the rise in work from the Asian community, and I am proud to acknowledge Chris Naoki Lee as an up and coming artist. This industry certainly tries to put you in a box, or tries to make you stay in your own lane, but just as I had learned to weave my career into what it is today, I see Chris making similar bold choices as well. Not only does he work as an actor, but he continues to adapt and evolve in the fields of writing, directing, and producing. We are even collaborating on two different projects, each of which push the conversation for further AAPI inclusion and exposure.
One project is an animation feature filled with adventure, shadow puppets, and the lores of my family history in China, while the other is a live action film that deals with identity as a young Asian American in today’s modern world. Chris has been integral to bringing both of these visions to life, and it is humbling to see that he carries the same hustling mentality as myself. Though we shall see if his hustle is as strong as mine when he gets to my age! All jokes aside, I look forward to seeing what Chris does next, especially after his directorial debut film, “Dinner Party,” which deals with relevant dialogues about race and diversity. I'm kicking off AAPI Heritage month by nominating a fellow actor and filmmaker Justin Chon.Īnd Chris Naoki Lee, is already on that path.ĪBC News Photo Illustration Jamie Chung nominates Justin Chon In this industry, it has not been an easy road for all of us within the Asian community, and I am fortunate and grateful to help inspire the next generation of Asian artists. An unapologetic, versatile and bold story teller, Justin had early success as an actor for 15 years but was left wanting more.
We started in the business around the same time and from firsthand experience, I'm telling you that the amount of roles for AAPI actors were slim to none. And were often lacking backstory, significance and specificity. Roles that were usually written by non-Asian writers. Justin took control of his own narrative by writing, directing and starring in his 2017 film, "Gook," a fictional take on his experience growing up in Southern California after the unjust verdict of the policemen who viciously beat Mr.