Coming to the United States as an Asian Australian, I have always aspired to work in entertainment. However, after experiencing the predominantly white, male industry , I felt challenged and discouraged. For years, Asian American representation in Hollywood has been a continuous struggle and an industry problem where people of color have been demanding more representation on screen and in the writer’s room, but have been given limited opportunities in a ruthless and competitive industry.
However, in the last five years, there has been a push for Asian representation within the industry. The popular and critical success of films such as “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Parasite” and “Everything All At Once” proves that not only do Asians and people of color tell remarkable stories through the beauty of filmmaking, but that their stories are also ones that audiences want to see and engage with.
Last week at the Golden Globes, Netflix and A24′s “made history as it was the first show created by Asian Americans to win in the Best Limited Series category. Ali Wong was the first Asian American woman who was Vietnamese and Chinese to succeed in her category, Best Actress in a Limited Series. Steven Yeun became the second Asian American man to win in his category for Best Actor in a Limited Series. The show also sweeped at the Emmys, picking up eight awards including wins for Yeun and Wong’s performances.
“Beef” has a predominantly Asian cast and has resonated deeply with Asian American viewers for its representation. It also discusses the turmoil of everyday life, the cost of mental health and using repressed emotions such as anger against another individual. The struggles illustrated in the show can be considered a universal experience, allowing the show to reach critical acclaim.
“Beef” centers around Amy Lau and Danny Chou, who clash in a road rage incident and begin a series of conflicts that escalate over time as they damage each other’s lives. Danny struggles to build a name for himself and cannot be comfortable alone and with everyday life, such as finances, job security and identity. Amy cannot find satisfaction in her marriage or in her role as a parent, and her business is also struggling to make a name for itself. They both project their anger and insecurities onto one another in a fight to ruin each other’s lives due to their unhappiness.
The series rose to acclaimed success due to the performances and the way it challenges stereotypes like the Asian American model minority myth. It sheds light on the Asian American lifestyle and the challenges faced with identity and fitting into the United States, such as Christianity and community among Korean Americans.
The show brought more attention to representation among Asians living in America and beyond, which was celebrated and attributed to the show’s success. “Beef” was praised due to the increased presence and representation of Asians on screen. Its incredible performances by a predominantly Asian cast have exemplified that the industry needs to incorporate these stories so that not only can it be celebrated among the Asian community but also that people outside of the community can understand the complexities and various identities of Asian American culture.
Seeing the success of many titles such as “Beef,” “Everywhere Everything All at Once” and “Parasite” is the beginning of a revolution where Hollywood integrates more Asian stories that can be brought to life. The diverse list of winners at this year’s Golden Globes proved that people of color can succeed in the industry and inspire those, like me, to enter entertainment and tell stories about their culture, lifestyle and heritage.