‘Butterfly’ Review: Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty Anchor Amazon’s Asian-Led Spy Thriller

Amazon’s “Butterfly” marks a cultural milestone, with Daniel Dae Kim finally stepping into his first romantic lead after thirty years in Hollywood. The spy thriller blends Korean and American influences, highlighted by Reina Hardesty’s breakout role and appearances from Kim Tae-hee, Kim Ji-hoon, and “Squid Game” star Park Hae-soo. Continue reading ‘Butterfly’ Review: Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty Anchor Amazon’s Asian-Led Spy Thriller

Ben L.August 14, 2025August 20, 2025Leave a comment

Events, Featured, Interviews

More Than a Laugh: Belly Laughs and the Power of Asian American Storytelling

The inaugural Belly Laughs Festival brought over 30 Asian American comedians and a curated lineup of food vendors to L.A. Live for two days of stand-up and soul food. From Margaret Cho to surprise drop-ins, the event delivered something rare: a full celebration of identity, humor, and belonging. Continue reading More Than a Laugh: Belly Laughs and the Power of Asian American Storytelling

Ben L.July 14, 2025July 14, 2025Leave a comment

Events, Featured

A Sisterhood Forged in Story: The Women of “The Joy Luck” Club Reunite

For a generation of Asian Americans, The Joy Luck Club was more than just a movie—it was a revelation. I was still a teenager when it came out, and I vividly remember the seismic shift it caused in the way I saw myself and my community. Here was a Hollywood film—backed by a major studio, no less—with an all-Asian cast, speaking English, talking about their … Continue reading A Sisterhood Forged in Story: The Women of “The Joy Luck” Club Reunite

Ben L.May 1, 2025May 2, 2025Leave a comment

Featured, Interviews

Lee Jung-jae Breaks Down Gi-hun’s Season Two Shift and the Global Message of ‘Squid Game’

For Lee Jung-jae, returning to the world of “Squid Game” wasn’t part of the original plan. In our conversation, Lee discusses the physical and emotional preparation for returning to Gi-hun, the lingering impact of a particularly explosive scene with Gong Yoo, and why the show continues to resonate so deeply with Western audiences. Continue reading Lee Jung-jae Breaks Down Gi-hun’s Season Two Shift and the Global Message of ‘Squid Game’

Ben L.April 30, 2025April 30, 2025Leave a comment

Featured, Film Reviews, Reviews

Film Review: Andrew Ahn’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Reimagines a Queer Classic with Humor, Tension, and Generational Reckoning

In an industry still hesitant to fund stories like this, “The Wedding Banquet” is a welcome and necessary entry into a library that’s far too thin. At a time when both LGBTQIA+ and Asian American communities continue to face backlash and erasure, films like this remind us why visibility matters—not in a surface-level sense, but in the deeper work of showing lives, contradictions, and relationships that feel real. Continue reading Film Review: Andrew Ahn’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Reimagines a Queer Classic with Humor, Tension, and Generational Reckoning

Ben L.April 18, 2025April 19, 20251 Comment

Featured, Interviews

Legendary Actress Joan Chen’s Journey: Embracing Motherhood And Identity In “Dìdi”

The recent rise in roles for Asian actors has created opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned veterans like Chen, allowing her to reintroduce herself to a broader audience. In her interview with us, Joan Chen reflects on her journey and emphasizes the importance of stories like “Dìdi” in today’s landscape. Continue reading Legendary Actress Joan Chen’s Journey: Embracing Motherhood And Identity In “Dìdi”

Ben L.October 31, 2024February 1, 2025Leave a comment

Featured, Interviews

Emmy Nominated Maya Erskine On Learning to Kick Ass in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’

In a star making role, Maya Erskine plays the titular character Jane Smith, opposite Donald Glover in Amazon Prime’s “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” reimagining of the 2005 film that created the “Brangelina” pop culture phenomenon. Maya recently spoke with us on several topics including how she was able to create on-camera chemistry with co-star Donald Glover, a perhaps surprising reference she drew from and what being cast for the role of Jane means to her and the inspiration she hopes it brings others. Continue reading Emmy Nominated Maya Erskine On Learning to Kick Ass in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’

Ben L.June 13, 2024February 1, 2025Leave a comment

Events, Featured, Interviews

A Masterclass in Authentic Storytelling: FX’s ‘Shōgun’ Celebrated at Disney FYC Event

At Disney’s FYC Fest event held at the Directors Guild of America Theater on June 11th, Sanada, who also received his first producer credit for ‘Shōgun’, joined co-creators, executive producers, and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, producer Eriko Miyagawa, executive producer (and daughter of James Clavell) Michaela Clavell, and fellow actors Tadanobu Asano (Kashige Yobushige) and Anna Sawai (Lady Toda Mariko) for an evening in which invited attendees and media were treated to a screening of the pilot episode of ‘Shōgun’, followed by a panel hosted by writer and podcaster Joanna Robinson. Additionally, Awards Focus was able to speak to the cast and creators at the “red carpet” event that preceded the screening. Continue reading A Masterclass in Authentic Storytelling: FX’s ‘Shōgun’ Celebrated at Disney FYC Event

Ben L.June 12, 2024February 2, 2025Leave a comment