When I heard Kiran + Nivi sing for the first time on Instagram, I was blown away and felt such a sense of pride. And with his next buzz-worthy film, "Blue Bayou," he continues to break glass ceilings, making a seat at his own damn table, paving the way for other storytellers that look like us.ĭisney Junior Image Group/ABC News Photo Illustration Freida Pinto nominates Kiran + Nivi I am in constant awe of his unwavering commitment to tell profound, authentic stories of the AAPI experience. Purple," an intimate and raw story of a young woman left to pick up the pieces of her broken family, the duties bestowed upon children in the face of an ill and dying parent and the powerful journey of finding your way back with a sibling you thought you lost. He pivoted tones soon after with his next film, "Ms. 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. Roles that were usually written by non-Asian writers. And were often lacking backstory, significance and specificity.
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. An unapologetic, versatile and bold story teller, Justin had early success as an actor for 15 years but was left wanting more. I'm kicking off AAPI Heritage month by nominating a fellow actor and filmmaker Justin Chon. And 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. 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. 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. 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. We are even collaborating on two different projects, each of which push the conversation for further AAPI inclusion and exposure. Not only does he work as an actor, but he continues to adapt and evolve in the fields of writing, directing, and producing. 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. 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. Most of the nominations on the list are rising stars on the cusp of becoming household names, whose influence, we believe, will become monumental. To honor the global community, we've provided space for nominators who do not identify as American.
It's important to note: the vastness of the AAPI community means it has deep ties in countries of origin, which includes the rich Asian global diaspora. Good Morning America and ABC News asked influential AAPI leaders, celebrities, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, athletes and more to nominate fellow members of the community for the list.
Welcome to the GMA INSPIRATION LIST: Who’s Making AAPI History Right Now? We recognize that work, those struggles and the vision for the future of the AAPI community, and reflect on the idea that their history is at the heart of American history. The month of May is a time to remember those who have enriched the community and others with knowledge, pride and respect. We're publishing The GMA Inspiration List as the community asserts its voice - speaking out and standing up as anti-Asian violence has spread amid the COVID-19 pandemic defining itself on its own terms and increasing awareness of their collective history and future in the United States.
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