2026 Oscars: What happened to inclusion?

The animated feature Kpop Demon Hunters represents AANHPI actors at the Academy Awards.

Its "good news, bad news" for the AANHPI communities after the 98th Academy Award nominations dropped on January 22. While Asian Americans are dominating the technical and animated fields, the prestigious acting and directing categories are looking surprisingly sparse.

While the Academy Award nominations brought some historic firsts, the "View from the Edge" is that the 2026 Oscar race feels like a massive step backward for on-screen visibility. Despite the Academy's much-hyped "Inclusion Standards" finally being in full effect, the nominations revealed a glaring disconnect between industry rules and actual representation.

With her nomination for Best Director for Hamnet, Chloé Zhao made history as the first woman of color ever nominated twice in that category, and the second woman overall to do so. Zhao is also tied as the most-nominated Asian woman in Oscars history, with seven career total noms, and second most-nominated Asian ever behind cinematographer James Wong Howe (who won twice for “The Rose Tattoo” and “Hud”).

Nevertheless, the nominations have AANHPI creatives asking, "what inclusion?" and "what representation?" Here is the breakdown of the controversies surrounding the 2026 Oscars:

The most stinging critique this year is the near-total absence of Asian performers in the major acting races. 

After the cultural shift of Everything Everywhere All At Once just a few years ago, the 2026 acting categories—particularly Best Actress—are looking incredibly "white-out." Despite strong performances in films like KPop Demon Hunters and international standouts like Kokuho, Asian actors were largely relegated to the sidelines, sparking fresh accusations that Hollywood still views AAPI talent as "supporting" rather than "leading."

The debate around representation standards

The Academy's Representation and Inclusion Standards have sparked debate. Some argue that these rules ensure broader participation and reflect a more inclusive industry, while others express concern about how they might impact creative choices. This ongoing discussion highlights the complexities of implementing diversity initiatives in a creative field.

While the 2026 Oscar nominations brought some breakthroughs for Asian talent in technical fields, the acting and directing categories left many fans—and AAPI advocates—feeling like they’d been ghosted by the Academy. From "theater kids" reeling over a Wicked shutout to the continued cold shoulder given to Asian cinema giants, here are the snubs that have the "View from the Edge" community talking.

The most vocal disappointment online has come from fans of Wicked: For Good. After Wicked:Part One snagged 10 nominations in 2025, the sequel was completely shut out this year—not even a nod for costumes or production design.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo: Despite nominations at the Golden Globes and the Actor Awards, both stars were left out of the Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress races, respectively. Fans are calling it "disrespectful" given the massive vocal and emotional heavy lifting both did for the franchise.

Once again, despite all that critical praise and box office success, Academy voters continue to overlook the work of director Jon M. Chu, the person in the middle of the production who makes the film work.

Dwayne Johnson did not receive a nomination for Best Actor for his role in The Smashing Machine. Despite early buzz and critical praise for his dramatic performance as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, the Samoan American's work, a departure from his usual action roles, was considered one of the biggest acting snubs of the 2026 awards season. 

Academy voters appear to be more open to recognize AANHPI leads ... if ... they are cartoon characters.

The biggest splash this year comes from the world of animation. Directors Maggie Kang and Michelle L.M. Wong secured a Best Animated Feature nod for KPop Demon Hunters. 

Even more historic, the film’s track "Golden" by EJAE is the first K-pop song ever nominated for Best Original Song. 

Pixar veteran Domee Shi also finds herself back in the race for Elio.

Shining "Below-the-Line"

The good news is that AANHPI talent is getting more recognition in the crafts "below-the-line" or "behind-the-camera." While the spotlight often misses them, Asian American craftspeople are rewriting history this year:

• Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman of color nominated for Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners.

• Miyako Bellizzi earned a Best Costume Design nod for the stylish Marty Supreme.

• Charmaine Chan is representing for Asian women in tech with a Best Visual Effects nomination for Jurassic World: Rebirth.

• Kazu Hiro continues his streak in Makeup and Hairstyling for The Smashing Machine.

After the sucess of Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, Parasite in 2020, Chloe Zhao's Nomadland in 2021, Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2023, it looked like that studio doors were finally opening for  AANHPI talent. However, AANHPI were blanked out in 2024 and 2025. 

Except for Zhao, 2026 is the third straight year no AANHPI actors received  nominations, a step back for on-screen visibility. 

Critics argue that while the Academy’s inclusion standards are helping films get made, the industry is still struggling to greenlight the "prestige" leading roles that put Asian faces at the center of the frame.

The message from the AAPI community and general film fans is clear: while "Inclusion Standards" look good on paper, they aren’t yet translating to the podium for the performers and directors.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Looking at 2026: The price of living tops Asian American worries

PEW

The economy is the chief concert of the AANHPI communities, copping immigration.

ANALYSIS

One year of Donald Trump is making Asian Americans exceedingly anxious and pessimistic about the future of America.

The latest 2026 data from AP-NORC (via Amplify AAPI) paints a stark picture of the Asian American mood as we settle into the new year: we are bracing for an economic storm and losing faith that Washington has the umbrella to cover us.

If you’re feeling the pinch at the checkout counter, you aren’t alone. A massive 72% of AANHPI adults say the economy is their number one concern for 2026. Specifically, 49% are laser-focused on inflation, a rate far higher than the general US population. With 85% of us expecting new tariffs to drive up the cost of everyday goods, the anxiety over "sticker shock" is becoming a defining part of the AANHPI experience this year.

A deepening "Trust Deficit"

The persistent drumbeat of deriding government agencies coming from Donald Trump and his syncophants has weakened confidence in the institutions -- Congress, the courts, a free press -- that are supposed to provide a path to the American Dream and the very concept of democracy itself.

The most jarring takeaway is how little we expect from the federal government. Only 10% of AAPI respondents feel confident that the government will actually fix anything in 2026. This isn't just "politics as usual"—it’s a growing "trust deficit" that has jumped 10 points since 2024. Whether it’s the 44% worried about health care costs or the 41% eyeing immigration policy, there is a sense that the people in power aren't listening.

The latest 2026 data from AP-NORC (via Amplify AAPI) paints a stark picture of the Asian American mood as we settle into the new year: we are bracing for an economic storm and losing faith that Washington has the umbrella to cover us.

Top policy priorities for 2026

Economic Issues: 72% of AAPI adults identified at least one economic issue as a top government priority for 2026.

Inflation & Cost of Living: Approximately 49% cited inflation as a key priority—significantly higher than the 33% of the general U.S. population who said the same.

Health Care: 44% want the government to prioritize health care. Roughly 60% are "extremely" or "very" concerned about rising health care costs in 2026.

Immigration: 41% listed immigration as a priority, though views vary by party (57% of Republicans vs. 32% of Democrats).

Economic sentiment and outlook

Pessimism: 58% of AAPI adults believe the national economy will get worse in 2026, while 60% expect the overall state of the country to decline.

Personal Finances: While generally more positive about their own situations than the country's, about one-third expect their personal finances to worsen in 2026. This is particularly true for lower-income households (earning under $50,000), 46% of whom expect a decline.

Tariffs: 85% of respondents expect new tariff policies to increase the price of consumer goods, contributing to widespread economic anxiety.

Views on government and identity

Low Confidence: Only 10% are confident the federal government will make progress on important issues in 2026. Seventy percent have little to no confidence in government progress, an increase from 60% in late 2024.

Democracy and Freedoms: 80% view a democratically elected government as vital to U.S. identity. However, 57% consider the current U.S. democracy to be "poorly functioning."

Threats to Liberty: A majority see significant threats to freedom of speech (58%) and freedom of the press (57%).

FYI:The nationwide study was conducted by The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and AAPI Data from September 2-9, 2025, using the Amplify AAPI Monthly survey drawing from NORC’s Amplify AAPI® Panel designed to be representative of the U.S. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander household population. Online and telephone interviews were offered in English, the Chinese dialects of Mandarin and Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean with 1,027 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders aged 18 and older living in the United States. The margin of sampling error is +/- 5.0 percentage points.

Emerging threats and specific group concerns

Campus Free Speech: Among younger AAPI adults (under age 30), 70% are extremely or very concerned about restrictions on free speech on college campuses and potential federal cuts to university research.

Religious Freedom and Profiling: Roughly 34% of AAPI adults see major threats to freedom of religion. In 2026, particular concern has been raised by Muslim American communities regarding Project Esther, a surveillance initiative they fear promotes religious profiling and erodes civil liberties.

Freedom of Assembly: Nearly 7 in 10 AAPI adults believe the right to peacefully assemble is currently at risk.

Individual Liberty over "Christian Culture": AAPI adults are significantly more likely than the general population to prioritize individual liberty and a democratically elected government as essential to U.S. identity, rather than "Christian culture."

WIKI COMMONS

AANHPI are joining protests against harsh Trumpian policies.

View from the Edge

As bad as 2025 has been with the Trump regime's normalization of racism, the coming year could get even worse as the America Dream fades for people of color. 

If Minnesota and the year's first month so far is any indication, the Trump regime is feeling its oats and empowered to double down on using cruelty, harshness and unfairness to tamp down any opposing viewpoints.

On the flip side, there hope is bubbling among folks as ordinary people including that great "undecided" group hiding between the MAGAists and Democrats are starting to wake up to the Trump regime's ultimate goal: a movement to an authoritarian regime quietly controlled by the corporate class.

The November Midterm elections will be a turning point for the United States as ordinary people get a chance to choose the direction of the United States by saying: "Enough!" to the harsh and unconstitutional policies pushed by the Trump regime; "Enough" to the white supremacists and Christian Nationalists who want to preserve the status quo power structure; "Enough" to the billionaires who continue to grow their fortunes at the expense of the middle class; "Enough" to ignoring the Constution and the rights meant to apply to all of us; "Enough" to the divisive rhetoric and policies that have us fighting each other and return to the pursuit of the common good, community and compassion.

Enough!

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Film in the works marks a milestone for Filipino representation in Hollywood

DREAMWORKS

'Forgotten Island' aims for a September 25 premiere.

Get ready to mark your calendars because September 25, 2026, is shaping up to be a historic day for Pinoy representation on the big screen! DreamWorks Animation is officially bringing Forgotten Island to theaters.

The animated feature is not just another animated flick—it’s a deep dive into the rich, mystical tapestry of Philippine mythology.

Directed by the talented Filipino American filmmaker Januel Mercado (who recently wowed us with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), the film is a "party comedy adventure" that transports us to the magical, long-lost island of Nakali.

A Star-Studded Pinoy voice cast

The lineup for this project is absolutely stacked with some of our favorite voices: H.E.R. (aka Gabriela Sarmiento Wilson), who voices Jo and Liza Soberano, who  voices Raissa, — two lifelong best friends whose bond is tested when they become stranded on Nakali.

The legendary Lea Salonga joins the cast alongside Manny Jacinto, Dave Franco, and Jenny Slate.

Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado (the creative powerhouses who gave us Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), the vision for Forgotten Island is a bold step forward for Filipino visibility in global animation. For Mercado, a Filipino American filmmaker making his feature directorial debut, this is a chance to put our ancestral stories front and center.

A new mythological frontier

The directors are crafting a world that isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing tribute to Philippine folklore. Their vision for the island of Nakali is rooted in the "lost" magic of Filipino legends, designed to bring mystical creatures to a global stage for the first time.

They describe it as a "broad party comedy adventure."

Think of the chaotic energy of a classic road trip movie, but set in a magical realm where every turn could lead to an encounter with spirits from our own history.

It’s not all laughs. The directors are focusing on the deep emotional toll of their protagonists' journey. Jo and Raissa must face a heartbreaking trade-off: their way home might cost them their most precious shared memories and emotions.

This emotional core will be set against a backdrop of mystical creatures and deities that define the Filipino imagination—think of the potential for seeing Diwatas (forest spirits), Anitos (ancestral spirits), or even the majestic Bathala represented on a global stage.

Mercado explicitly highlighted Filipino family dynamics and trust as primary influences on the film's character relationships. The central bond between lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa reflects the "found family" concept often seen in Filipino culture, where friends are treated as siblings (kapatid).

The film’s central conflict—having to potentially sacrifice a lifetime of memories to get home—hits especially hard for the Filipino diaspora wherein millions of Filipinos leave family at home and travel to foreign lands to support the family. It explores the value of relational history and the idea that losing your shared past with someone is like losing a piece of your soul.

This is a huge milestone for cultural representation in Hollywood. For the first time, a major studio is putting Filipino stories front and center, giving our ancient legends the "DreamWorks treatment." 

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

ICE hunting for Asians in the Twin Cities

SCREEN CAPTURE / ABC

Dressed only in his underwear, ChongLy Thao was brought outside by ICE agents.

Federal immigration agents bashed open a door and detained a Hmong American US citizen in his Minnesota home at gunpoint without a warrant, then led him out onto the streets in his underwear in subfreezing conditions, according to his family and videos reviewed by The Associated Press.

ChongLy “Scott” Thao told the AP that his daughter-in-law alerted him on Sunday afternoon that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were banging at the door of his residence in St. Paul, across the Mississippi River from Minneapolis, the other half of the Twin Cities.

He told his daughter-iin-law not to open it. Masked agents then forced their way in and pointed guns at the Thao's daughter-iin-law and 4-year old grandson, yelling at them, Thao recalled.

“I was shaking,” said the 57-year oldThao, who at the time was dressed only in in his underwear and a pair of Crocs. “They didn’t show any warrant; they just broke down the door.”

He told his daughter-in-law to get his ID in the bedroom but the agents said they didn't need an ID. Then the agents handcuffed him and led Thao, wearing only his underwwear and Crocs into the sub-freezing weather to their vehicle. Someone was able to throw his crying grandson's blanket over him.

Neighbors were blowing whistles and yelling at the dozen-or-so armed masked agents. One of the onlookers recorded the incident. The video went viral.

According to various sources, including St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, herself a Hmong refugee, ICE agents are asking for the location of Asians in the Twin Cities, home to the countriy's largest community of Hmong and with large communities of Vietnamese refugees and Chinese Americans.

Asians are not safe from ICE

Recent data shows a significant increase in the detention and deportation of Asian immigrants over the last year. According to reports from the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge and TRAC Immigration, the number of Asians arrested by ICE more than tripled in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

While Asians represent about 16% of the undocumented population in the US, they have historically made up a small fraction of ICE arrests. However, that share has grown as enforcement efforts expanded:

Thousands of Asians rounded up by ICE

Between February and July 2025, Asian arrests rose to 3,705, up from 1,054 in 2024.

Five countries account for roughly 82% of Asian detainees:

• China (PRC): 30%

• India: 28%

• Vietnam: 15%

• Laos: 6%

• Nepal: 3%

Most of the Asian detainees were came from states with high Asian populations. Approximately 25% of Asian detainees in 2025 were from California, followed by Texas (14%) and New York (10%).

Despite the Trump regime's claim that they are targeting hardened criminals for deportation, a majority of Asian detainees in 2025 did not have a criminal record. The share of detainees with criminal convictions dropped significantly as ICE shifted focus toward broader "interior enforcement." in order to meet the regime's quota of 3,000 per daiy.

After being detained, for whatever reason, data shows Asian detainees are being moved between facilities more frequently, averaging 2.8 transfers per person in 2025, which can complicate access to legal counsel by removing the detainee from the family, but more importantly, from local legal support systems.

Most of the Hmong and Vietnamese in the Twin Cities area are, or are descended from, refugees  from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. They were granted refugee status by past administrations because they aided and fought for the US during the Vietnam War.

St. Paul Mayor Her, said that Asian residents, in the area, including her own parents, are living in fear, afraid to venture out for groceries, school or doctors' appointments. Earlier this month Her was installed as the city's first Asian American mayor, but nevertheless, she was advised to carry proof of citizenship with her.

“ICE drove him around for nearly an hour, questioned him, and fingerprinted him,” said his sister-in-law, Louansee Moua, in a Facebook post. “Only after all of that did they realize he had no criminal history and no reason to be detained. They then dropped him back off at his apartment like nothing happened.”

DHS claims the agents believed that two convicted sex offenders lived at the address. Thao and his family dispute this saying they don't know the suspects and that only Thao, his son, daughter-in-law and grandson live at the rental home.

Mayor Her visited the family after the incident. ICE "ddn't ask for ID," said Her. "They didn't verify if it was the right person." She criticized ICE's actions as "irresponsible and reckless."

“ICE is not doing what they say they’re doing,” said Mayor Her. “They’re not going after hardened criminals. They’re going after anyone and everyone in their path. It is unacceptable and un-American.”

The family told the AP they are particularly upset by Thao’s treatment at the hands of the Trump regime because his mother had to flee to the US from Laos when communists took over in the 1970s since she had supported American covert operations in the country and her life was in danger.

While ChongLy was not physically injured, the emotional and psychological harm has been profound. His daughter-in-law, who feared for her child’s safety, is deeply traumatized and now needs professional therapy. ChongLy also lives with severe psoriasis, a chronic condition that is significantly worsened by extreme stress. Since the incident, his health and emotional well-being have declined.

Thao's door was broken and a gofund me account has been established for legal fees and to help pay for the repairs. What can't be repaired is Thao's faith in the US government doing the right thing.

“I don’t feel safe at all,” Thao told AP. “What did I do wrong? I didn’t do anything.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Lessons from MLK and Gandhi are lessons learned in 2026

Martin Luther King was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent revolution in India.

Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi -- two men from opposite sides of the world who reshaped the world through shared principles that inspire the activists of 2026.

To understand the connection between Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi is to see how two distinct cultures fused to create a global blueprint for liberation. For Dr. King, Gandhi wasn't just a historical figure; he was the man who provided the "operational technique" for the social gospel of Jesus Christ.

While they never met in person—Dr. King was only 19 when Gandhi was assassinated in 1948—Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) became the operational backbone of the American Civil Rights Movement.

King first encountered Gandhi’s teachings while studying at Crozer Theological Seminary. He viewed Gandhi as "the greatest Christian of the modern world," despite Gandhi not being a Christian himself, because Gandhi practiced the "love ethic" of Jesus on a massive, political scale.

King often said, "Christ furnished the spirit and motivation, while Gandhi furnished the method."

King visits India

Seeking to deepen his understanding of Satyagraha (truth-force), King traveled to India for five weeks in 1959. He was moved by how the Indian people had defeated the British Empire through nonviolence. He stayed with Gahndi's family.

King adopted Gandhi’s core principle that nonviolence is not passive but a "powerful and just weapon" -- "a sword that heals" -- that ennobles those who use it. He followed Gandhi’s lead in seeking to win the friendship of the opponent rather than humiliating them, aiming for "Beloved Community" as the ultimate aftermath of protest.

From Gandhi’s Salt March, King learned the redemptive power of "unearned suffering". He applied this during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, teaching activists that by willingly accepting blows without striking back, they would eventually "touch the heart" of the oppressor and the conscience of the nation.

King’s bond with Gandhi’s legacy turned the Civil Rights Movement into a global mission. He believed that if nonviolence could work against the British Empire in Asia, it was the only "logical and moral approach" to solving the race problem in America.

Communities of color are realizing that an attack on one is an attack on all of them.

King-Ganhdi guides AANHPI today

Transformative Solidarity vs. Political Silos:In 2026, the "Beloved Community" is a policy goal. Organizations like Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta have launched a 2026 agenda centered on "transformative solidarity," explicitly bridging AANHPI, Arab, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities to defend civil liberties against systemic threats and Trump attempts to eliminate social and health programs.

Nonviolent Advocacy: Dr. King’s method of relentless pressure on unjust structures remains the blueprint. AANHPI groups recently secured a major win by successfully removing "China Initiative" language from federal funding bills, proving that persistent, organized nonviolence can dismantle racial profiling at the highest levels of government.

The "Spirit of Aloha" as a Modern Shield: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander leaders are leaning into the legacy of the Reverend Abraham Akaka. In 2026, "Aloha" isn't a greeting; it’s a radical framework for demanding political autonomy and land restoration—viewing these as essential to the "justice" King envisioned for all inhabitants of the Pacific.

Standing in the Breach for Immigrants:With federal policies in 2026 creating "lonely islands of poverty" for our neighbors, AANHPI activists are using King’s focus on "unearned suffering" to defend DACA recipients and immigrant families. They are framing the fight for permanent legal status as a moral imperative, not just a legal one.

Modern "Ahimsa" (Non-Harm) in the Streets:In response to rising harassment, groups are transforming Gandhi’s ahimsa into bystander intervention training. They are teaching community members to de-escalate hate without resorting to violence, effectively turning peace into a proactive defense mechanism.

Language Access as the New Voting Frontier:Building on the foundation of the 1975 Voting Rights Act expansion, the 2026 movement identifies language access as a non-negotiable civil right. They argue that a democracy that doesn't speak your language is one that doesn't intend to hear your voice.

In 2026, the AANHPI movement isn’t just looking back at history—it’s actively weaponizing the Gandhian-Kingian toolkit to navigate a political landscape that feels more fraught than ever by policies from the Trump regime that threaten civil rights, voting rights, true history and healthcare. 

As we mark the 40th anniversary of the federal MLK holiday, the "Edge" sees a community moving from the sidelines to the frontlines of transformative solidarity.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Hmong American mayor joins lawsuit against ICE actions in Minnesota

SCREEN CAPTURE / KARE

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her told Congressmembers about the ICE surge of fear in her city.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her  characterized the city as being "under siege by the federal government" due to a surge in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations, during a Jan. 12 hearing.

When Her was sworn in as St. Paul's  first Asian American mayor, she could not have predicted that two weeks later her city would be joining a lawsuit against the Donald Trump regime and his quasi-military arm, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Her, a Hmong American refugee, strongly condemned the recent surge in ICE activity, calling it a "federal law enforcement occupation" that is terrifying residents, with agents reportedly going door-to-door and targeting people by appearance, leading to a lawsuit by the city, state, and Minneapolis to halt the operations.

“We are ground zero for Trump’s war on America,” she testified.  Lawmakers and other leaders held a field hearing at the Minnesota State Capitol about the ongoing ICE operations in Minnesota on Jan. 12. Some of the speakers joining Her included Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey — all condemning the Trump regime.

"We've received reports of federal law enforcement officers going door-to-door asking people where the Asian people live right in our very own city," 

"I myself have received advice to carry my passport with me because they may try to target me based on what I look like as well," said Her, who was born in Laos.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are located across the Mississippi Rver from each other forming what is commonly referred to as the Twin Cities. The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7, has ignited widespread protests across the United States.

In coordination with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul filed a joint lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 12, to halt what they described as unlawful and chaotic federal immigration actions.

Her stated that residents are afraid to leave their homes, with some even hiding passports, and emphasized the city's responsibility to protect its people from these perceived invasions and terrorizing tactics. She described federal agents "needlessly invading our neighborhoods and homes," causing residents to be scared and afraid to go out, notes St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her.

Her reported that ICE agents are asking where "Asian people live," highlighting discriminatory practices against Hmong and other immigrant communities, according to PBS NewsHour.

Her described residents as "scared and confused," noting that her own parents have been afraid to open their blinds or leave their home for medical appointments because of the federal presence.

She argued that the presence of masked federal agents wearing uniforms labeled "Police" undermines local law enforcement and public trust.

In coordination with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Saint Paul filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 12, 2026, to halt what they described as unlawful and chaotic federal immigration actions.

Mayor Her emphasized that while local officials have a responsibility to act, the current "occupation" of the city is putting all residents at risk and targeting individuals based on their appearance.

Two dozen members of the US House of Representatives listened to the testimonies of Minnesotans describing ICE actions.

A 20-year-old Somali-American U.S. citizen, Mubashir Khalif Hussen, testified that he was accosted by ICE agents outside his workplace. He alleged that despite repeatedly identifying himself as a citizen and offering his ID, agents dragged him outside and held him in a headlock on the ground for several minutes.

Testimony and legal filings described the widespread use of chemical munitions, including tear gas, pepper balls, and flashbangs against peaceful protesters and observers. One family reported their vehicle was trapped when a tear gas canister was deployed underneath it, causing their infant child to become "lifeless" and require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Lawmakers and residents described agents pointing firearms at innocent bystanders and individuals who posed no threat, including a pastor.

Minnesota 4th district Congressmember Betty McCollum was part of the subcommittee and addressed Trump directly.

She noted that agents have threatened and assaulted workers in their workplaces and students outside their schools. Other reports detailed agents tackling students on school property and breaking car windows.

"President Trump, stop stoking the chaos in our neighborhoods," Rep. McCollum said. "You are creating a dangerous escalation. Now, Minnesota, we're not taking the bait. To my fellow Americans in other states, these actions left unchallenged could mean you're next."

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who hosted the hearing along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), said: 

"We heard from incredibly powerful witnesses — members of the community who are standing up for their neighbors, and even who have been detained and had their rights violated for no reason. Instead of making us safer, Trump is deliberately escalating tensions in a city where crime rates have been declining. And the tactics are only accelerating. Let me be clear: this pattern of reckless, even lethal, use of force cannot continue, and we will do everything in our power to hold this Administration accountable and stop this lawlessness.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Exciting news: HBO Max developing 'Crazy Rich Asians' series

WARNER BROTHERS

Director Jon M Chu (2nd from left), author Kevin Kwan (far right) and
the cast of 'Crazy Rich Asians.'

If you thought the Crazy Rich Asians movement was just a one-and-done blockbuster moment, think again. Director Jon M. Chu is doubling down on the "cinematic universe of the Asian diaspora," officially moving forward with an HBO Max series that promises to give our stories the "real estate" they deserve.

Despite the shortage of AANHPI presence at the Golden Globes and the upcoming Oscars, a pending AANHPI creative wave is about to change all that. 

As of January 2026, the long-awaited scripts are in, the buzz is loud and excitement is bubbling in the AANHPI communities hungry to see themselves and share their stories.

Ever since Crazy Rich Asians broke down cultural and discriminatory barriers with its box office success, engaging characters and relatable storyline, fans have been waiting for the sequel based on the trilogy of novels by Kevin Kwan.

Chu has been vocal about the struggle to fit Kwan’s sprawling world into a single film. A TV series allows the writers and director to move past "vanilla representations" and dig into the complex, messy, and authentically human layers of our community that usually get left on the cutting room floor.

While drawing inspiration from China Rich Girlfriend, the second book of the CRA trilogy, this isn't a stale page-to-screen retread. Chu says the characters have "evolved" beyond the original novels, reflecting the growth of the AANHPI landscape since the first film broke the 25-year drought of all-Asian casts in 2018.

Adele Lim, part of the original screenwriting team, is back in the fold as showrunner. Having AAPI voices at the helm ensures that the "love language" of our culture remains the heartbeat of the show, rather than a background prop. Her involvement has been instrumental inreuniting members of the original cast.

While official contracts are still under wraps as of January 2026, the signal from the inner circle is clear: "Our cast will be there."

Casting underway

While no deals are official, Chu has stated he is confident the original cast will return. Henry Golding (Nick Young) has mentioned that he and other cast members like Gemma Chan (Astrid Teo) and Awkwafina (Peik Lin Goh) have been in unofficial talks with the showrunner.

“Everybody’s excited,” Golding shared on the Today Show recently.

“I was with Nora (Lum), Awkwafina, who is a fellow New Yorker, the other night, and we were discussing it. We had Adele Lim come over and visit me and Gemma [Chan] in London not too long ago to discuss where we’re heading. We have a larger, longer-running format because we’re doing a series. We have so much runway to really share the world you kind of got a glimpse of in Crazy Rich. We’re really excited to show more,” he added.

The original film follows Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), an American economics professor who travels with her boyfriend, Nick Young, to his best friend's wedding in Singapore, only to discover he is from an incredibly wealthy family.

It was the first major Hollywood film in 25 years to feature a predominantly Asian American and Asian cast in a contemporary setting since The Joy Luck Club. The film presented Asians as fully realized characters  in roles beyond stereotypes.

The movie's surprising box office success and critical praise broke through the biases held by major Hollywood studios.

Since the movie's debut in 2018, cast members have been in high demand. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum Jr, Nico Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jimmy O. Yang, Ken Jeong, and Lisa Lu, among others.

This project lands at a critical time. With Chu coming off the massive success of Wicked (which snagged 10 Oscar nods), he’s using his institutional power garnered by his proven track record to ensure Asian Americans aren't just "guests" in Hollywood, but the architects of the narrative.

For years, Hollywood has been saying our stories are "niche." Chu is proving that when you lean into cultural specificity, you find something universal. The Crazy Rich Asians series isn't just about luxury—it's about the privilege of being seen as fully human on our own terms.

The developing series dosn't mean the film sequel is off the table. “I don’t know if it’s in lieu of a sequel but it felt clear that every character we wanted to explore needed more room and just a movie wasn’t doing it for us,” Chu said. “

Even with the strong possibility of watching Asians depicted as fully rounded individuals beyond the martial artists, dragon ladies, computer nerds, submissive and  background characters, no matter the medium, Crazy Rich Asians is just a harbinger of a wave of creativity from AANHPI artists.

Building an AAPI Powerhouse

With Chu officially launching his new era at Paramount earlier this month, we’re seeing a masterclass in how to turn cultural representation into institutional power.

On January 2, 2026, Chu’s three-year first-look deal with Paramount Pictures and Paramount Television Studios officially went into effect. This isn't just another contract; it’s a strategic shift for Asian American stories in Hollywood. 

Under this deal, Paramount gets the first crack at every new film and series Chu’s production banner, Electric Somewhere, develops. By moving onto the Paramount lot, Chu is positioned as a core architect of the studio’s future slate alongside heavyweights like the Duffer Brothers and Will Smith.

While Crazy Rich Asians remains at Max (Warner Bros.), the Paramount deal allows Chu to build a new pipeline of Asian-led projects. Paramount is betting that Chu can repeat the Wicked magic (which just shattered global records in late 2025) with original AAPI stories that have blockbuster potential.

The move signals a major studio’s commitment to "director-driven" projects that lean into Chu’s unique cultural lens. For the AAPI community, this means fewer hurdles to getting greenlit; we now have one of our own with a permanent seat at the table on Melrose Avenue.

Chu isn't just making movies anymore—he's building an infrastructure. After adapting two Broadway hits into movies, (In the Heights, Wicked), he is set to make his Broadway directorial debut with a stage adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians, featuring music by Helen Park.

We're excited to learn the fate of Crazy Rich Asians' beloved characters Rachel and Nick, Astrid and Charlie, Peik, Eleanor and the other characters from the Kwan's novels.

Between the Crazy Rich Asians projects and Chu's new Paramount powerhouse, the era of being "just a guest" in the studio system is officially over. Let's hope a new inclusive era is beginning.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

K-pop Demon Hunters big winner at Golden Globes

Kim Eun-jae (center) with fellow Demon Hunter voices Audrey Nuna, left,  and Rei Ami
at the Golden Globes awards on Jan. 11.

There were not a whole lot of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders receiving a Golden Globe at the awards ceremonies Sunday. That alone should say a lot about the state of "representation" in Hollywood.

However, the few AANHPI winners made sure that the rest of the movie industry  audience was reminded about the lack opportunities for AANHPI actors, writers and producers.

The 2026 Golden Globes gave us some truly powerful moments from Asian American winners, focusing on themes like resilience, turning rejection into redirection, and being totally vulnerable. 

AANHPI presence was in the form of the animated film, K-pop Demon Hunters, which won Best Animated Feature and the film's signature song, "Golden," which won Best Original Song. The song was a major global hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

        RELATED: Golden Globe's AANHPI nominees

Lead singer-songwriter EJAE (Kim Eun-jae), who also voices the character Rumi in K-pop Demon Hunters, delivered an emotional speech alongside co-writers Mark Sonnenblick and Lee Hee-joon.

EJAE shared her personal struggle of training for 10 years at SM Entertainment only to be rejected. She stated, "I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn’t good enough... I can confidently say rejection is redirection."

She dedicated the award to those who were told they weren't good enough, noting it is a "dream come true to be part of a song that's helping other girls... get through their hardships and accept themselves."

She concluded, “I just want to say this award goes to people who’ve had their doors closed at them and that I can confidently say rejection is redirection. So never give up.”

EJAE closed by expressing joy that "Golden" helps others get through hardship and accept themselves, quoting its lyrics: "It's never too late to shine like you were born to be." 

Producer Mark Sonnenblick thanked the studios for believing in the film and noted it had been an "amazing year for musical storytelling in movies."

The animated film's co-drector, Maggie Kang, made history as the first Asian woman to win Best Animated Feature, emphasized the film's cultural roots and representation, stating, "This is for everyone who believed that a movie so deeply rooted in Korean culture could resonate with a global audience". She added that they wanted to depict female characters as "really strong and bold... really silly and weird" just like real women.

Director Chloé Zhao took home the biggest film award for Hamnet (which also won Best Motion Picture – Drama). Looking genuinely surprised, she quoted her lead actor about the importance of artists embracing vulnerability and seeing one another. She closed her speech with a powerful call to action: "Let's keep our hearts open, let's keep seeing each other, and allowing ourselves to be seen."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.