Soul of a Nation Presents: The New Face of Hollywood airs May 26 2023 on ABC
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, ABC News’ Emmy®-Award winning series “Soul of a Nation” returns with a groundbreaking special presentation titled “The New Face of Hollywood.” This one-hour primetime event takes an inspiring and comprehensive look at the rise of Asians in Hollywood, following the historic Oscars® sweep of “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the captivating multiverse film that delves into the struggles of a Chinese American immigrant family.
Hosted by “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang, the special features intimate interviews with two trailblazing stars who made history at the Oscars®. First, we have the incredible Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian woman ever to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. Yeoh’s remarkable journey and her experiences navigating the highs and lows of fame provide a captivating narrative. Joining her is Ke Huy Quan, the former child star who made an extraordinary comeback after a 20-year hiatus, winning the Best Supporting Actor award. Chang’s conversations with Yeoh and Quan shed light on their personal triumphs, the challenges faced by Asian actors in Hollywood, and the profound impact their victories had on the Asian American community and beyond.
But that’s not all! “The New Face of Hollywood” also explores the complex history of Asians in the entertainment industry, addressing discrimination, bias, and problematic portrayals that have marred the past. Viewers will hear from legendary performer James Hong, one of the most prolific Asian American actors of all time, as well as Anna Wong, the niece and namesake of Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star. Additionally, trailblazing actress Nancy Kwan, who rose to prominence in the ’60s, shares her perspectives on the industry.
This special celebration of visibility and representation in Hollywood goes beyond reflection, focusing on the stars and creatives who are shaping the industry today. Joining the discussion are Jonathan Wang, the Oscar-winning producer of “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; Jason Scott Lee, the talented Hawaiian Chinese actor known for his roles in the Disney+ series “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” and the new Hawaiian-language film “The Wind and The Reckoning”; Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, the breakout star of the popular teen comedy series “Never Have I Ever”; Kelvin Yu, the Emmy Award-winning writer and producer who created the new Disney+ series “American Born Chinese”; and Adele Lim, the co-screenwriter of “Crazy Rich Asians” and director of the upcoming film “Joy Ride.” These creative forces are at the forefront of a new era in Hollywood, where diverse stories and voices are championed.
“The New Face of Hollywood – A Soul of a Nation Presentation” doesn’t shy away from critical conversations about Asian American representation in film. Esteemed columnist Wajahat Ali, author of “Go Back to Where You Came From”; Rebecca Sun, senior editor of diversity and inclusion at The Hollywood Reporter; and writer Jeff Yang, co-author of “RISE: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now” provide invaluable insight. Additionally, sociologist and pop culture expert Nancy Wang Yuen, author of “Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism,” brings her expertise to shed light on the industry’s landscape.
