After last year’s nominations spawned the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, all eyes were on the Academy Award nominations on Jan. 24. Dev Patel was nominated for an Oscar (Best Supporting Actor) for his performance in the film “Lion” — becoming just the third actor of Indian descent ever nominated for an Oscar — and only the 13th […]
Asian American jab at Oscars reveals deeper diversity woes
By Lynn Elber Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — TV’s “Fresh Off the Boat” creator Nahnatchka Khan was reveling in Oscar host Chris Rock’s deft comedic assault on white-fixated Hollywood. Then three Asian American kids were brought onstage for a gag mocking them as ethnic stereotypes. “It’s like going on a road trip with your […]
Is it funny or is it racist?
By Zachariah Bryan Northwest Asian Weekly That’s the question being asked of Australian Comedian Chris Lilley’s new HBO mockumentary, “Jonah from Tonga.” While some critics say it’s a clever satire on youth, others say that the depiction of the Tongan people is offensive.