PARASITE ATTACKS THE OSCARS

South Korean Film “Parasite” ruled the Academy Awards last night winning the top 4 categories out of their 6 nominations. The Bong Joon-ho film was awarded the Oscar for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film and Best Picture breaking numerous records including being the first movie to win both Foreign Language film and Best Picture, the first Oscar wins for South Korea and the first non-English speaking film to win the highly coveted Best Picture honor.

During Bong Joon-ho’s Best Director acceptance speech he also gave thanks to his fellow nominees.

Thank you so much. When I was young and studying cinema, there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart, which is that "The most personal is the most creative."

That quote is from our great Martin Scorsese. When I was in school, I studied Martin Scorsese's films. Just to be nominated was a huge honor. I never thought I would win.

When people in the U.S. were not familiar with my films, Quentin [Tarantino] always put my films on his list. He's here, thank you so much. Quentin, I love you.

And Todd [Phillips] and Sam [Mendes], great directors that I admire. If the Academy allows, I would like to get a Texas chainsaw, split the award into five and share it with all of you.

Thank you. I will drink until next morning, thank you.

Earlier this year, it was announced that HBO was interested in creating a Limited TV Series based on the film. For now, Parasite is out in theaters, and available on VOD.

Taika Waititi also took home an Academy Award for writing the script for “Jojo Rabbit” in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his mother for  giving him the book which he adapted. This was Waititi’s first Oscar win and third nomination.

THE FAREWELL WINS BIG AT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS

Lulu Wang’s film “The Farewell” received the top award at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards, winning Best Feature. During Wang’s acceptance speech, she thanked her grandmother who inspired the film and stated that there are plenty of female filmmakers and although there are programs and encouragement, that is not enough.

“There has been a lot of conversation this year about how to encourage more women to be in film or get more women into the conversation. I just have to say, you don’t have to encourage women, there are lots of women making films and who want to make films and who are in film school. And so shadowing is great, programs are great but really what women need is just the job. Give them the freaking job. Give them the money…”

Actress Zhao Shuzhen who played Nai Nai in “The Farewell” won the award for Best Supporting Female Actress. Unfortunately Shuzhen was not available to accept her award because she was not able to leave her home in China due to the Coronavirus. Lulu Wang accepted her award on her behalf.

Best International Film at the Film Independent Spirit Awards was given to Parasite.

BONG JOON-HO 'S PARASITE RECEIVES 6 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Bong Joon-ho and his film “Parasite” continues to make history - this time, for the Academy Awards. Bong Joon-ho became the first director from Korea to be recognized by the Oscars. “Parasite” received 6 nominations which include – Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Film Editing, Production Design, and International Film (previously referred to as Foreign Language Film).

The 2019 Cannes Palm d’Or winner has made over $130 million dollars worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo and has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating as well as an audience score of 93%.  

Earlier this month, news broke that HBO was interested in creating a Limited TV Series based on the film. Bong Joon-ho will be working with Adam McKay (Succession) on the special. However, no specific plot details have been released.

“Parasite” follows the lives of two Korean families: the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim family. When a rare opportunity is presented to the Kims, the two families become entangled creating a thrilling story of greed, revenge and shock.

AWKWAFINA AND PARASITE MAKE GOLDEN GLOBES HISTORY

Awkwafina made history at the Golden Globes when she was honored for her role in “The Farewell”. Her win made her the first actress of Asian descent to take home the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

The other actresses competing in her category included Beanie Feldstein, Emma Thompson, Ana de Armas and Cate Blanchett. During her acceptance speech, Awkwafina jokingly said, “If I fall upon hard times, we can sell this, so that’s good.” In addition to thanking Zhao Shuzhen who played her grandmother in “The Farewell,” she also expressed her sincerest gratitude to Director Lulu Wang for giving her the chance of a lifetime. Awkwafina, whose birth name is Nora Lum dedicated her Golden Globe award to her father Wally.

“I’d like to dedicate this to my dad, Wally. I told you I’d get a job, Dad. And to my grandma, my best friend, the woman who raised me. And to my mother, Tia, who I always hoped was watching from somewhere above, and I hope that she’s watching me now.”

There have only been 5 women of Asian descent who have been nominated in the category: Machiko Kyoin, Miyoshi Umeki, Yvonne Elliman, Hailee Steinfeld and Constance Wu.

Kinocine PARKJEAHWAN4wiki [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Also making history at the Golden Globes was the film, “Parasite” which won for Best Foreign Language Film. Bong Joon-ho’s movie was the first South Korean movie to win at the awards show. During his acceptance speech, Bong Joon-ho stated, “once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

Diane Paragas' film Yellow Rose is picked up by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions

According to Deadline, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has acquired all worldwide rights (excluding the Philippines – which will be released in theaters by ABS-CBN) to Diane Paragas’ film, Yellow Rose.

Directed by Paragas, Yellow Rose follows the story of Rose, a Filipina teen from a small town in Texas struggling to pursue her dreams of being a country singer while also facing the threat of deportation. Broadway star and multiple Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada plays the role of Rose. Joining Noblezada is Tony Award winning actress Lea Salonga, Gustavo Gomez, Dale Watson and Princess Punzalan.

Below is part one of my interview with filmmaker Diane Paragas, Producer Cecilia Mejia and actress Princess Punzalan from earlier this year when the film made it’s premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Filipino: A PSA by Charlene deGuzman

Charlene deGuzman just released a PSA (Public Service Announcement) titles Filipino: A PSA in celebration of Filipino American History Month. deGuzman, who gained popularity over her youtube video “I Forgot My Phone”, wrote, directed and produced the PSA. Filipino: A PSA includes appearances by Filipino American actors including Vincent Rodriguez III, Ginger Gonzaga, Tess Paras, Jason Rogel, and Eugene Cordero as they give us a brief history of the Philippines as well as spotlighting other Filipinos in the entertainment industry.

Netflix adapting Filipina American author Erin Entrada Kelly’s book Hello Universe

Erin Entrada Kelly’s novel Hello Universe will be transformed into a live-action family film by Netflix and Forest Whitaker. Written by Filipina American children’s literature author Kelly, Hello Universe is a 2018 Newbury Award winner and New York Times bestselling novel.

The story centers on a timid boy who lands in a bottom of a well after being bullied. His two friends; a self-proclaimed psychic and unknowing crush team up to find him. The story is told from four intertwining points of view – two boys and two girls.

Playwright and screenwriter Michael Golamco (Always Be My Maybe) will adapt the book with Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi (Fruitvale Station) of Significant Productions will produce.

Jo Koy's Netflix Special premieres June 12th

Comedian Jo Koy is “Comin’ in Hot” with the release of his latest project streaming on Netflix June 12th – just in time for Philippine Independence Day. According to Netflix’s description, his stand up, which was recorded at the Blaisdell Arena in Hawaii will feature his “candid take on cultural curiosities, filter-free fatherhood and more.”

SPECIAL SCREENING OF "THE FAREWELL" STARRING AWKWAFINA & TZI MA

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival just added a special screening of the Awkwafina and Tzi Ma starring film, The Farewell. The Sundance hit directed by Lulu Wang follows the account of Wang’s own life which was previously featured in NPR’s This American Life.

The Farewell tells the story of New Yorker Billi (Awkwafina), who emigrated from China to the US with her parents when she was a young child. Now years older, she discovers that her grandmother, Nai Nai, who still resides in China, is dying from cancer. Her family decides to conceal the truth from her grandmother and instead, create a plan to have an impromptu wedding as a cover for them to say their “final” goodbyes to their Nai Nai.

The LAAPFF special screening of The Farewell will take place at 7:30pm, Wednesday, May 8 at the Regal LA Live: A Barco Innocation Center. For tickets and more information, you can head to https://festival.vcmedia.org/2019/

The Farewell is scheduled to hit theaters July 12.

ANDERSON .PAAK PERFORMS ADDS TWO SHOWS IN CALIFORNIA

Anderson .Paak has added a couple of California dates to his Best Teef In the Game Tour including headlining his first show at the Forum on Saturday June 29th. To celebrate his upcoming concert at the Forum, .Paak released a 1minute video that he scored with his friend Thundercat.

.Paak also added a performance on June 26th at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre in San Diego. His special guests for both of his newly added California dates will include Thundercat and Earl Sweatshirt.

.Paak released his fourth and most recent album, Ventura last month. Ventura, which was executive produced by Dr. Dre debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and also debuted at #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts, as well as hitting #2 on the Indie charts. The album also features special appearances by Smokey Robinson, Andre 3000, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Nate Dogg and Lalah Hathaway.

Tickets for both concerts are currently on sale at www.livenation.com

LUCY LIU RECEIVES A STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Lucy Liu received a star on Hollywood today, making her the second Asian American woman to receive a Walk of Fame star (and the 11th Asian American person). The first Asian American woman who received this recognition was actress Anna May Wong, when she was inducted in 1960.

“We are excited to honor Lucy Liu, and we placed her star next to the star of Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American actress to grace Hollywood’s film screens,” said Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez in a press release.

Liu’s Charlie’s Angels costars Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Demi Moore showed their support at the ceremony. Moore and Rhea Perlman also went up on stage to share their own special memories of Liu.  

During Liu’s speech, she thanked her parents for immigrating from China and for overcoming all the obstacles and roadblocks that came their way. She mentioned her gratitude to her brother who let her stay in his apartment, taking over the bunk bed while he slept on the floor.

And she did not stop there. In regards to diversity, Liu stated, “I was lucky that trailblazers like Anna May Wong and Bruce Lee came before me. If my body of work somehow helped bridge the gap between stereotypical roles first given to Anna May and mainstream success today, I am thrilled to have been part of that process.”

She also acknowledged TV Producer and Writer, David E Kelly who hired her to play Ling Woo on Ally McBeal.

“At the time I started on Ally McBeal, it was rare to get a glimpse of any diversity on the screen. David Kelly who is here today took a risk by creating Ling Woo and helped break the glass ceiling. David, thank you for taking a chance on me” Liu said.

You can watch the entire ceremony below:

THOMAS ORLINA & MALIA BALDOVI ARE TWO BESTIES TOGETHER

Best Friends Thomas Orlina and Malia Baldovi have taken their friendship to the next level by producing and hosting their new digital talk show, “Two Besties Together” where they celebrate their friendship, highlight diversity, positive vibes and wonderful times together. The first season of TBT premiered on Thursday, January 17th with new shows releasing every Thursday.

Each episode of Orlina and Baldovi’s show focus on 3 segments – The Topic, The Product and The Throwback. In The Topic, the BFFs discuss numerous topics which range from dating in the modern world, open relationships and mental health. In The Product, Orlina and Baldovi provide a platform for entrepreneurs, influencers and sponsors of TBT to showcase their own products, projects and ideas. And perhaps one of the highlights of the show is their segment, The Throwback where the two reminisce about moments they’ve shared together during their 10year relationship. Closing out each show is their “Besties of the Week” segment where their fans are encouraged to send in their own pictures with their BFFs.  

Thomas Orlina and Malia Baldovi are no strangers to the entertainment industry. Orlina is best known for producing, creating and starring in his own webisode titled “Your Time With Thomas” as well as being featured on CNN Philippines. Hawaiian born Baldovi’s background is in Production where she most recently spent working at the USA Network for Temptation Island.

In addition to hosting, Baldovi also serves as executive producer to the show. “This has been an amazing process and having a show to interact with the audience and working with someone I call my bestie is amazing,” she said.

Orlina expressed his gratitude and excitement for his latest project, saying “I’m so grateful to be able to continue to create content that allows me to tap into the world of imagination in hopes to inspire and connect with today’s society. Being the creator, host and executive producer on this show with my bestie has been an innovative and unique experience.”

Two Besties Together debuted their season finale yesterday and all episodes are now available for binge watching on their youtube channel – Two Besties Together.  

See episode 1 of TBT below:

FILIPINO FILMMAKER MAKES HISTORY AT LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL

Diane Paragas and her film, Yellow Rose, will make history at this year’s 35th Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, making her the first Filipina American Filmmaker to open the festival.  

Directed and written by Diane Paragas, the American movie musical follows the story of Rose, played by Tony award nominee Eva Noblezada, a 17 year old girl who tries to fulfill her dream of becoming a country music star all while facing the threat of deportation. Joining Noblezada is Broadway star and Tony Award winner, Lea Salonga who plays Rose’s aunt. Rounding out the cast is Dale Watson, Liam Booth, Gustavo Gomez, Libby Villari and Princess Punzalan.

“I am so humbled that our film has been chosen for this honor.” Paragas told Deadline.com

Paragas also stated that Yellow Rose has taken over 15 years to make and “it couldn’t come at a more important time when anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high. This is a story for everyone facing challenges in finding their voice, their dreams and, more importantly, their home.”

Francis Cullado, the Executive Director of Visual Communications expressed their excitement in showcasing Diane Paragas as the first ever Filipina American Opning Night presentation, saying

“We feel that Yellow Rose’s themes stemming from our collective experiences of what defines American can create cultural cross-connections throughout our diverse communities.”

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will run from May 2nd to May 10th. For more information, you can head to https://vcmedia.org/festival

MINDY KALING WORKING ON NEW SHOW FOR NETFLIX

Mindy Kaling is creating a series for Netflix, loosely based on her life. According to her Instagram post, the 10 episode, yet-to-be-titled sitcom will be “about the life of a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl. Get ready for lots of relatable, awkward teen moments.”

@MindyKaling Instagram

In an interview with Variety, Kaling said she was approached by the entertainment subscription company to make a comedy about her younger self. “I wasn’t interested in telling a period piece about an Indian girl growing up in the 80s, but I told them I’d love to do a show about a 15 year old Indian girl now.” Kaling said.

Kaling will reteam with Lang Fisher (The Mindy Project) and co-create and co-write the show.

Mindy Kaling just wrapped up production on “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, her adaptation of the 1994 film which she also wrote and executive produced with Matt Warburton for Hulu and Uni TV.

EAST WEST PLAYERS PRESENTS MAMMA MIA!

East West Players presents their version of the award- winning Broadway musical Mamma Mia! Directed by East West Players’ Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai, the musical is set to run from May 9th through June 9th at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Mamma Mia! is part of East West Players’ 53rd Anniversary Season themed, Culture Shock, which is about “disrupting the status quo and taking charge of the outsider narrative.”

“I am so excited to bring Mamma Mia! to East West Players. Reflecting on the theme of ‘culture shock,’ this unique production will feature a diverse, Asian American-led cast—challenging the perception of who is perceived as an American abroad and exploring the culture shock we often feel in our own families generationally,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai.

The cast includes The King and I’s Broadway stars Joan Almedilla and Alan Ariano, as well as Grace Yoo, Elvira Barjau, Anthea Neri, Max Torrez, Danny Bernardo, Michael Palma, Kevin Perdido, Nicole Santiago, Ala Tiata, Edelyn Okano, Dekontee Turkile, Andrew Ge, Steven Agdeppa and singer/songwriters AJ Rafael and Jules Aurora.

Opening night will be held on May 16th with previews starting on Thursday May 9th running through Sunday May 12th.

For more information and tickets you can head to eastwestplayers.org

Steven Agdeppa

Michael Palma

Nicole Santiago

Dekontee Turkile

Kevin Perdido

Max Austin Torrez

Edelyn Okano

Elvira Barjau

Grace Yoo

Joan Almedilla

Jules Aurora

Danny Bernardo

Anthea Mae Neri

Andrew Ge

Alan Ariano

Alan Tiata

AJ Rafael

THE EMPEROR OF MALIBU TO STAR KEN JEONG AND DEBORAH S. CRAIG

Ken Jeong and Deborah S. Craig will star in the CBS comedy pilot, The Emperor of Malibu. Jeong will play Gerry, a Chinese billionaire who is shocked to find out that his son, Auggie, has been secretly dating an American (Kate), for two years and is now engaged. Gerry decides to move his whole family to Los Angeles in hopes of persuading his son to re-think his engagement.

Deborah S. Craig, who is known for her work in NBC’s The Blacklist, will also join the cast playing the role of Shiatzy, Jeong’s wife. She is described as “a terrifying force of nature…sophisticated, a little eccentric and strong-willed.” Shiatzy is upset that Auggie has chosen his wife without her help and tries her best to keep Kate away from Auggie.

The Emperor of Malibu is written by Kevin Kwan (author of Crazy Rich Asians trilogy) and David Sangalli.

TIFFANY YOUNG IS IHEART'S BEST SOLO BREAKOUT ARTIST

Tiffany Young received the Best Solo Breakout at the 2019 iHeart Radio Awards, making her the first Korean female to take home a trophy from the iHeart Radio Music Awards show.

“I am so humbled and honored that I can be a aprt of representing young Asian American women in music, and so grateful for my Korean and K-Pop roots that have given me the opportunity to follow my dreams. This award belongs to all the fans around the world who worked hard for this. I promist I will work harder. I want to make you proud.” Tiffany stated in her acceptance speech.

Tiffany Young released her EP Lips on Lips last month and also performed a mini Lips On Lips showcase tour earlier this month. This past November, Young was also the face for H&M’s Autumn 2018 campaign.    

MARVEL STUDIOS MOVIE SHANG-CHI HIRES A DIRECTOR

Marvel Studios has signed on filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton to direct their upcoming film Shang-Chi.

In the comic books, Shang-Chi is born in China to a Chinese father and white American mother. His father, the villainous Fu Manchu, teaches him martial arts. and Shang-Chi becomes a hero after rebelling against his father’s ways.

Although no casting news have been announced, Marvel Studios has mentioned that Shang-Chi will be their first project featuring an Asian lead and mostly Asian and Asian American cast. Shang-Chi will be penned by Chinese American Dave Callaham whose recent works include co-writing with Patty Jenkins and Geoff Johns in the upcoming DC Warner Bros sequel, Wonder Woman 1984 and Sony’s animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2.

Cretton, who was born and raised in Hawaii, is currently directing Just Mercy, a film he wrote, based on the memoir of Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson. The movie stars Michael B. Jordan and reunites him with actress Brie Laron who starred in his film, Short Term 12.

KAL PENN GOES TO SUNNYSIDE

Kal Penn’s upcoming NBC sitcom finally has a title – Sunnyside -  named after the neighborhood in Queens, New York. Penn who co-wrote the comedy with Matt Murray, will play New York City Councilman Garrett Shah who “finds his calling when faced with seven recent immigrants” who are in search of the American Dream and need his help.

According to Deadline, 5 of the 7 immigrants will be portrayed by immigrant actors. The cast includes Joel Kim Booster, the high profile, South Korean-born comedian; Kiran Deol, the UK born actor, Poppy Liu, an actress born in China; Tudor Petrut, of Romanian origin; Samba Schutte, a Dutch Mauritanian actor who grew up in Ethiopia; Diana Maria Riva, a first-generation Dominican; and Moses Storm.

The pilot is also directed by immigrant Oz Rodriquez.

MINDY KALING'S "LATE NIGHT" TRAILER RELEASED

The official trailer for Mindy Kaling’s feature film, Late Night, has just been released.

Kaling serves as producer and writer of the film and stars alongside Emma Thompson who plays a talk show host on the verge of losing her show. Thompson hires a female writer, played by Kaling, to help revamp her program. Late Night also stars Hugh Dancy, John Lithgow, Ike Barinholtz and Dennis O’Hare and is directed by Nisha Ganatra.

After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Amazon Studios bought the US distribution rights for the film for $13 million. According to Deadline, the deal was made after an all-night bidding battle and became the largest deal for a US only distribution at Sundance.

Late Night is scheduled to hit theaters on June 7th.