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’

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

‘The Boy and the Heron’ Review: Miyazaki’s Final Film Is a Dreamlike Farewell to a Legendary Career

(This article first appeared on Awards Focus) It’s no exaggeration to say that Hayao Miyazaki’s body of work stands as one of the most influential in the history of animation. His films shaped generations of storytellers and audiences alike, including my own love for imaginative, emotionally rich storytelling. From “My Neighbor Totoro” to “Spirited Away,” Miyazaki created entire worlds where wonder and heartbreak could coexist … Continue reading ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Review: Miyazaki’s Final Film Is a Dreamlike Farewell to a Legendary Career

‘Joy Ride’ Pushes Boundaries With Heart, Humor, and a Few Stumbles

(This article originally appeared on Awards Focus) After the breakthroughs of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Turning Red,” another important step for Asian American representation arrives with “Joy Ride,” directed by Adele Lim, the co-writer of “Crazy Rich Asians.” The film follows four childhood friends—Audrey (Ashley Park), Lolo (Sherry Cola), Kat (Stephanie Hsu), and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu)—who embark on a business trip to China … Continue reading ‘Joy Ride’ Pushes Boundaries With Heart, Humor, and a Few Stumbles

‘Past Lives’ – A Hauntingly Beautiful Meditation on Love, Fate, and Identity

As we head into the Oscars, “Past Lives” is my pick for Best Picture—even though it’s unlikely to win. Months after watching it, the film still lingers in my mind. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t just end when the credits roll. It stays with you, creeping into quiet moments of reflection, making you think about the choices you’ve made, the paths you didn’t … Continue reading ‘Past Lives’ – A Hauntingly Beautiful Meditation on Love, Fate, and Identity

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – The Wildest, Most Emotional Multiverse Film Yet

As an Asian American, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” wasn’t just a movie for me—it was an experience. The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) have made a film that defies genre, blending sci-fi, absurdist comedy, action, and heartfelt drama into something that feels completely unique. It’s a movie that’s chaotic and ridiculous one moment, deeply moving the next, and yet somehow, it all works. … Continue reading ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – The Wildest, Most Emotional Multiverse Film Yet