The conversation about Asian presence in Hollywood moved from sideline chatter to a front-page phenomenon—and it should have come sooner. From covert trailblazers to Oscar-winning breakouts, Asian actors, directors, and producers are carving space and rewriting the industry’s DNA. Here is a countdown of 10 landmark moments that redefined what it means to be Asian in Hollywood.
10. The Next Generation Steps into the Spotlight
Hollywood’s future is unapologetically Asian, bold, and diverse. Simu Liu, Steven Yeun, Awkwafina, and Constance Wu are stars, but there is a new generation already garnering critical success and box-office success across genres—Marvel superhero hits, indie festival favorites, etc. They are no longer the “next big thing.” They are now.
9. Kōki Earns Global Recognition
Japan’s Kōki is quickly becoming an international force. Already a music and fashion sensation, she’s now making waves in film, winning the AFA Rising Star Award at the 18th Asian Film Awards and a Blue Ribbon Award for Best Newcomer. Her success supports that Asian talent has no boundaries—and the world is paying attention.
8. Broadway’s Asian Renaissance
Broadway is finally reflecting the diversity of its audiences, with record-breaking Asian representation at the Tony Awards. From Ruthie Ann Miles’s historic win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical to Helen Park’s groundbreaking nomination as the first female Asian composer, these artists are reshaping the stage.
7. Anna Sawai’s Historic Emmy Win
When Anna Sawai won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for Shōgun, she was the first Asian performer to win in the category. Following on from Sandra Oh’s trailblazing nominations and Ali Wong’s win for Beef, her win heralds a new era where Asian women are no longer just nominees—but winners.
6. Sandra Oh’s Refusal to Shrink
Sandra Oh’s life is a lesson in toughness. From being informed that she “didn’t fit” in Hollywood to playing Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve, she’s demonstrated the strength of owning your worth. Her Emmy viral moment—”It’s an honor just to be Asian”—has become an anthem for representation.
5. Merle Oberon’s Secret Legacy
In 1936, Merle Oberon became the first Asian actress to receive an Oscar nomination. But because of Hollywood’s racism, she concealed her South Asian heritage. Her story is bittersweet—a reminder of both how far the industry has come and how much further it still has to go.
4. James Wong Howe’s Lasting Influence
James Wong Howe was not only one of the greatest of Hollywood’s cinematographers—he was a visionary who infused innovation and artistry into the craft. His life also testified to his conviction that Chinese culture was deserving of respect, both in front of and behind the camera.
3. The Crazy Rich Asians Breakthrough
When Crazy Rich Asians opened, it wasn’t just a success—it was a turning of the cultural tide. Its success swung open the door for other Asian-led films like Parasite and Everything Everywhere All at Once, showing that diversity is not only symbolic but also profitable.
2. Historic Oscar Wins
The Academy is finally recognizing Asian talent. Michelle Yeoh’s Best Actress award for Everything Everywhere All at Once and Yuh-Jung Youn’s Best Supporting Actress award for Minari are milestones that extend beyond personal achievement—they’re history-making for the community.
1. Breaking Stereotypes
The greatest milestone of all? Asian actors are shaking off stereotypical, two-dimensional roles. No longer relegated to the martial artist, the sidekick, or the “model minority,” they’re starring in rich, human narratives in movies like Shang-Chi, Minari, and Beef. Hollywood’s finally learning: these aren’t simply “Asian stories”—they’re human stories.
Asian representation in Hollywood has been a long battle—and it’s not over yet—but these scenes show the change is real, powerful, and here to stay.