Report: Black representation up, but Asian, Latino, and Native people still underrepresented on TV
And celebrate Scorpio season with us, entertainment style.
“Almost half of all Asian roles serve as a punchline, study finds.”
You’re not the only ones disappointed by that headline. For us, “crushing the myth” means dismantling stereotypes and improving Asian representation across all industries, including Media & Entertainment. Because to “see” our community is to see us on screen.
So welcome to Entertainment Exclusive, Crushing the Myth’s new weekly newsletter that breaks down the latest Asian Entertainment news & newsmakers.
Get ready for new shows to binge, videos to keep you on the edge of your seat, and Asian celebs to stan.
*Note: Our weekly “Entertainment Exclusive” newsletter will be free to preview for 1 month. After that period, this will only be available for paid subscribers only — subscribe below. But our separate weekly general headlines newsletter will always be free.*
📰 Headlines
Report: Black representation up, but Asian, Latino and Native people still underrepresented on TV The UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report of the 2019-2020 TV season released on Tuesday found that there was an increase in people of color and women, both on-screen talent and writers, on shows released by broadcast, cable and streaming services. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S. but remain underrepresented on screen along with Latinos, while Native Americans are “virtually invisible,” according to the findings of a new study.
Not everyone can win the prize money apparently. Squid Game’s creator: ‘I’m not that rich. It’s not like Netflix paid me a bonus.’ The smash-hit survival drama has earned Netflix a reported $900m. But the stress of making it cost Hwang Dong-hyuk six teeth – and he hasn’t been paid any extra.
Get your popcorn ready. The San Diego Asian Film Festival returns to theaters. For over 20 years, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) has had no shortage of highlights.
There was the time that the festival screened a short film from a director named Chloé Zhao, offering audiences a glimpse into a new talent who would go on to direct the Oscar-winning film, “Nomadland.” […] For both Lee and Hu, the film festival’s return this year to in-person screenings after last year’s virtual festival is a cause for celebration on multiple fronts.
“For us, it’s recognizing that it’s been almost two years of living under COVID-19; recognizing that in that time frame there’s been a rise in anti-Asian hate, and that as we return to in-person programming this year, it’s more than just bringing people back to theaters for fun and films,” says Lee. “It’s recognizing that this is one of those rare opportunities where we can uplift and empower communities through these experiences of what they see together and the discussions they’ll have. That, more than ever, we feel like it’s a critical moment that we provide that space.”
🎬 Deep dive: Shang-Chi
Even though ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ came out months ago, there’s still more to talk about. We’re not mad about it.
The people have spoken. On Oct. 27, “Shang Chi” Star Simu Liu announced his nominations for the People’s Choice Awards on his Instagram story. Liu is nominated for the “Male Movie Star” and the “Action Movie Star” of 2021 awards for his role in the movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”
We can agree one movie isn’t enough. Shang-Chi 2 is reportedly already in development at Marvel Studios. Few details were given, but it's said a 2023 production date is eyed for this sequel.
The film’s congee was a game-changer. "It's definitely a "Chinese-approved" dish. Though the origin of congee is still a mystery, it likely originated in China. The earliest reference can be traced back to the Chinese Zhou dynasty, circa 1,000 BCE.
This fits within a larger trend of seeing more accurate representations of diverse food cultures on TV. Actually, according to Krishnendu Ray, the associate professor of food studies at New York University, the representations of the East are shifting from "etic" to "emic" — that is, from looking at a culture from an outsider's point of view to an insider's point of view.” (Salon)
And if you can’t get enough of Simu Liu (we feel the same way), check out his newest gig as Nobis’ new global brand ambassador.
🦂 It’s Scorpio season
Happy belated birthday to BD Wong! Born on October 24, 1960, Wong won a Tony Award for his performance as Song Liling in M. Butterfly, becoming the only actor in Broadway history to receive the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Clarence Derwent Award, and Theatre World Award for the same role. On CNET's I'm So Obsessed podcast, he discusses his season 2 role in ‘Awkwafina is Nora From Queens’ and looks back at his career on screen.
Aren’t Scorpios known for wrath? Well, they’re not the only ones — check out behind the scenes of Lucy Liu as a villainous goddess in Shazam 2 ‘Fury of the Gods.’
Need Netflix shows that radiate Big Scorpio Energy? Refinery 29’s Lydia Wang shares her 16 recommendations.
Alright, my go-to-show’s next episode just finished buffering on Hulu. See you for next week’s Entertainment Exclusive!
👋, Lea @ Crushing the Myth