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.

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.”

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:

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.

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.

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.

FREE SOLO WINS OSCAR FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY

Free Solo took home an Oscar for Best Documentary at the 91st Annual Academy Awards this past Sunday, February 24, 2019. Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, the husband and wife team who directed the film, clearly looked shocked as they accepted the award.  

During their acceptance speech, Chai Vasarhelyi said, “this film is for everyone who believes in the impossible.”

Free Solo follows rock climber Alex Honnold’s attempt to climb Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan without the use of ropes.

DOMEE SHI AND BECKY NEIMAN COBB RECEIVE AN ACADEMY AWARD FOR BAO

First time Academy Award nominees Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb won an Oscar for Best Animated Short for their film, Bao. The short was inspired by Shi’s relationship with her own mother. During her acceptance speech, she Shi inspired others by saying,

“To all the nerdy girls out there who hide behind their sketch book, don’t be afraid to tell your stories to the world. You’re going to freak people out, but you’ll probably connect with them too, and that’s an amazing feeling to have.”

JAMIE CHUNG'S NEW FOOTWEAR COLLABORATION 42GOLD

Jamie Chung’s 2019 is off to a great start. Last month, the luxury handbag company Hammit, announced that she is the Brand Ambassador and face of their Spring line.

This month, Jamie Chung is celebrating the launch of her footwear collaboration with Chinese Laundry founder Bob Goldman, titled 42Gold. 42Gold is a new venture for Goldman, the CEO of Cels Enterprises, the parent company to Chinese Laundry. The line is a response to the constantly changing market and how consumers are now making purchases. The brand will work with Influencers to capture the attention of shopper’s in a new way. Chung is one of the 42 Influencers who are part of the 42Gold label.   

In an interview with Footwear News, Chung expressed her love for fashion stating,

“Fashion is always something I gravitated toward and I had so much fun with, so being able to turn that into a business is great.” Chung added, “Footwear is a really personal thing. 42 Gold is elevated. It’s for the working woman, the woman who does it all, the multitask-er, the mom, the business owner. It fits with the modern-day woman. It felt right.”

Jamie Chung had a lot of input in regards to the shoe styles and was inspired by footwear that are fashion forward, timeless and you can wear throughout the year. The 42Gold collection is available now at Nordstrom and features an array of heels, flats and sandals.  

LEVY TRAN JOINS MACGYVER

Actress and model Levy Tran will join the cast of CBS’ MacGyver this month. In the recurring role, Tran will play Denise Nguyen, “who joins the Phoenix Foundation to protect MacGyver (Lucas Till) and his team on their global missions” according to Deadline.

Late last year, George Eads who plays Jack Dalton on MacGyver, reportedly asked to be released from his contract to return to Los Angeles to be closer to his daughter. However, his resignation also came after reports of an altercation during the production of an episode of MacGyver. Tran’s role will fill the void of Eads’ character.

If Levy Tran’s character is successful and MacGyver is renewed for a fourth season, CBS will have the option of making her role a series regular.  Tran’s debut on MacGyver will be on the February 15th episode.

Levy Tran shared the news on her Instagram account below:

KAREN GALLMAN IS FIRST FILIPINA MISS INTERCONTINENTAL PAGEANT WINNER

47 years after its inception, a Filipina contestant was crowned Miss Intercontinental.  Filipina Australian beauty Karen Gallman became the first Filipina to win the competition which was held at the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines this past weekend.

“It means a lot to me. This is the first time the Philippines has won Miss Intercontinental so I am very happy I could do this for the Philippines. I am speechless. I can’t stop smiling. I am just so grateful,” she said in an interview after her coronation at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Gallman thanked her supporters via her Instagram account and also dedicated her crown to the Philippines.

With her Miss Intercontinental win, Gallman hopes to be a great role model for young women. She added that she wants to be voice for those that cannot be heard and would like to be an inspiration to others. Like current Miss Universe winner, Catriona Gray, one of Karen Gallman’s main goals is to fight for better education for children living in poverty and are from the rural areas of the Philippines.

TRAILER FOR JORDAN PEELE'S WEIRD CITY - AWKWAFINA, STEVE YUEN & HANNAH SIMONE

A trailer for Jordan Peele’s upcoming web series, Weird City, has just been released. The sci-fi anthology takes place in the city of Weird, where there are only two classes that exist – Above the Line where the wealthy reside and Below the Line, for the less fortunate. The series seems to poke fun at our present-day life which covers issues such as social media addiction, online dating, and our need for instant gratification.

The six episode anthology series is written by Jordan Peele and former Key & Peele writer Charlie Sanders and features a star studded cast that includes Awkwafina, Steve Yuen, Eugene Cordero, Hannah Simone, Cynthy Wu, and Auli’i Cravalho.

Weird City is scheduled to premiere February 13th on Youtube Premium.

DANIEL DAE KIM'S RECURRING ROLE ON THE GOOD DOCTOR

Daniel Dae Kim will take his talents in front of the camera for his ABC show, The Good Doctor. Aside from being the Executive Producer of the successful drama series, Kim has signed on to play a recurring role, as Dr Jackson Han, the new chief of surgery who will “shake things up at St. Bonaventure and specifically put Dr. Shaun Murphy’s career in jeopardy,” according to ABC.

“As a fan of our show, I’m thrilled to be doing a guest arc with such a talented, kind and hard-working cast,” Kim said in a statement. “[Executive producer] David [Shore] and I have been looking for the right opportunity, and we’ve found a character that’s both dynamic and surprising. It’s an added bonus for my character to be directed by our own Freddie Highmore, who’s proving to be as talented behind the camera as in front of it. It’s been a lot of fun already, and I’m excited for the episodes to air.”

Kim will appear in the last four episodes of Season 2. Season 2 of The Good Doctor will premiere on January 14th.

CATRIONA GRAY'S MISS UNIVERSE MEDIA TOUR COMMENCES

Filipino Australian Catriona Gray started her 2019 Miss Universe media tour in New York yesterday making numerous television appearances including Good Morning America and Live with Kelly and Ryan. Appearing nothing short of beautiful inside and out, Gray spoke to host Ginger Zee about her mother’s premonition that she would win Miss Universe in a red gown, her talents as a singer and of course, her advocacy in helping children from impoverished areas, including working with an organization in the Philippines called, Young Focus Philippines. At the end of the interview Zee was definitely impressed, saying “Well, obviously you’re perfect, and that’s why you won Miss Universe!”

Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest welcomed Catriona Gray with open arms and also took the time to greet Gray a happy birthday, asking what she did to celebrate, as well as talk about her upbringing in the Philippines and moving to New York only 4 days ago which prompted Kelly Ripa to ask Gray what she thought about winter, and if she has a coat.

Gray confessed to going out with at least a minimum of 3 layers and jokingly said she sometimes looks like a siopao when she goes out. See Catriona Gray’s interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan below.

SANDRA OH AND DARREN CRISS ARE DOUBLE WINNERS AT GOLDEN GLOBES

It was a night of firsts for Sanda Oh who became the first person of Asian descent to host (alongside Andy Samberg) the Golden Globes and also became the first Asian performer to win multiple Golden Globes. Oh took home the Golden Globe last night for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama for her work in BBC America’s Killing Eve. In 2006, she was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for playing Cristina Yang on Greys Anatomy. Oh is the first Asian woman to take home the Best Leading Actress award in over 35 years when Yoko Shimada won in 1981 for her role as Mariko in Shogun.

During Oh’s acceptance speech, she acknowledged her parents in Korean, bowing and saying “Mom, Dad, I Love You.”  

It was also an unforgettable night for Filipino American Darren Criss who won Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in the FX special series, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Criss’ award makes him the first Filipino American Golden Globe Winner. During his acceptance speech, he recognized his Filipino mom.

“This has been a marvelous year for representation in Hollywood, and I am so enormously proud to be a teeny tiny part of that as the son of a firecracker Filipino woman from Cebu that dreamed of coming into this country and getting to be invited to cool parties like this. Mom, I know you're watching this.”

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story also won a Golden Globe for Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Asian Representation - 2019 Golden Globe Nominations

The 2019 Golden Globe nominations were announced live this morning from the Beverly Hilton Hotel. As expected, Sandra Oh received a Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama nomination for her role in Killing Eve.  It’s been a wonderful 2018 for the actress who made history this year as the “first woman of Asian descent to be nominated for best lead actress in a drama series” for her work on the BBC America show Killing Eve. Previously, Oh received 5 Emmy nominations for best supporting actress in a drama series while playing Dr. Cristina Yang on ABC’s hit drama Grey’s Anatomy. She will also co-host the 2019 Golden Globes with comedian and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Andy Samberg.

Filipino American Singer and Emmy winning actor Darren Criss also received a (Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television) nomination for his role as Andrew Cunanan in The Assasination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. The FX Show also received a nomination for Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television and will be going up against TNT’s The Alienist, Showtime’s Escape at Dannemora, HBO’s Sharp Objects and Amazon’s A Very English Scandal. Criss’ costars Penelope Cruz and Edgar Ramirez were also recognized for their work.

NBC’s The Good Place which stars Kristin Bell, Ted Danson, Jameela Jamil and Filipino born Canadian actor Manny Jacinto also received a nomination for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.

On the big screen, the blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians received a Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy nod with Constance Wu also being recognized with a Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy nomination for her lead role in the film.

The animated movie Mirai was honored with a Best Motion Picture - Animated nomination. Mirai tells the story of a boy who runs away from home because he feels forgotten when his little sister Mirai joins his family. He encounters an enchanted garden where he meets a teenage Mirai and they enter a world of wonder, meeting characters from their past and future as they uncover their beautiful family’s story. Featuring the voices of John Cho and Daniel Dae Kim, Mirai is the 10th highest grossing Japanese film in 2018 (according to Wikipedia).

Another Japanese film, Shoplifters also received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language. According to Wikipedia, Shoplifters is the 4th highest grossing Japanese film of 2018. Upon receiving the Golden Globe nomination, Director Hirokazu Kore-eda said, “Thanks to many people’s help, Shoplifters has spread its wings farther and farther since the Cannes Film Festival in May. As it is my first nomination for Golden Globe Awards, I am looking forward to being a part of this new experience. My thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press.”

Shoplifters won the Palm d’Or at the 2018 Cannes International Film Festival.

Filipino American Cinematographer and Academy Award nominee Matthew Libatique was the man behind the camera lens for A Star Is Born which received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama. Libatique also made a couple of cameos in the film. In addition, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper received nominations for Best Actress and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Cooper also received a Best Director – Motion Picture for the project.  

The 2019 Golden Globes will air live on NBC Sunday, January 6th.

For a complete list of the nominees, you can click here

Sandra Oh to Co-Host 2019 Golden Globe Awards

Killing Eve actress and Co-Executive Producer Sandra Oh and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Andy Samberg will cohost the upcoming 76th Annual Golden Globes.

“Sandra and Andy are the perfect choices to host this world-class event,” said Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks, the co-chairmen of NBC Entertainment. “They bring wit, charm, and style to a room filled with the very best of film and television. It’s sure to be another unforgettable, fun-filled night.”

Although this will be the first time Oh and Samburg are hosting the awards show. They have taken home their own Globes. Samberg won twice for Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Oh snagged a Globe as Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2006 for her character in Grey’s Anatomy.

This isn’t the first time Samburg and Oh hit the stage at an awards show together. Here is a clip of them presenting an award for the 2018 Emmy Awards.

Oh is the first person of color to emcee the show. And If all goes in Oh’s favor, she may also receive a nomination for her work in BBC America’s Killing Eve.

The Golden Globes will air live Sunday, January 6th on NBC.  

The nominations for the Golden Globes will be announced tomorrow morning.