Full Breakdown
Variety and Gold House Honor Rising Asian Pacific Talent in Entertainment
3/9/2026, 11:41:18 PM
Introduction to the Initiative
Variety, in collaboration with Gold House, is set to unveil its third annual "8 Asian Pacifics Up Next in Entertainment" list on May 6, 2026. This initiative aims to recognize eight influential Asian Pacific individuals who are making significant contributions across various sectors of the entertainment industry, including television, film, music, and theater. The selected changemakers will be celebrated for their achievements and the impact they have on the global entertainment landscape.
The Role of Gold House
Gold House, a prominent nonprofit cultural ecosystem, plays a crucial role in this initiative by uniting Asian Pacific and multicultural communities. The organization focuses on promoting common causes, investing resources into independent creators, and showcasing the potential of the Asian Pacific community across diverse industries. Tiffany Chao, vice president of entertainment & media at Gold House, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting the emergence of more nuanced and culturally rich Asian Pacific storytelling in film and television.
Selection Process and Criteria
The selection process for the "8 Asian Pacifics Up Next" list involves submissions from individuals who exemplify leadership and innovation in their respective fields. Submissions for this year's list are due by April 3, 2026. Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor, emphasized the importance of championing bold storytellers and boundary-breakers, stating that the collaboration with Gold House aims to identify visionaries who embody the richness of the Asian Pacific community.
Previous Honorees
The initiative has previously recognized notable figures such as Chase Sui Wonders from "The Studio," Dichen Lachman from "Severance," Dana LeDoux Miller, co-director of "Moana 2," Young Mazino from "The Last of Us" and "Beef," and Sean Wang, director of "Didi." These honorees reflect the diverse talent and creativity within the Asian Pacific community, further underscoring the initiative's commitment to highlighting rising stars in the entertainment sector.
Broader Implications
The "8 Asian Pacifics Up Next" initiative not only celebrates individual achievements but also aims to foster greater representation and visibility for Asian Pacific talent in the entertainment industry. By recognizing these changemakers, Variety and Gold House contribute to a broader cultural dialogue about diversity and inclusion in media.
Official Statements
Jazz Tangcay remarked, “Championing bold storytellers and those who break boundaries is something Variety has long done.” Tiffany Chao added, “We’re excited to bring back 8 API Up Next for a third year as we continue to see more textured, culturally fluent Asian Pacific storytelling emerging across film and television.”
What's Next
As the submission deadline approaches, anticipation builds for the announcement of this year's honorees. The initiative is expected to continue its mission of promoting Asian Pacific talent and storytelling, reinforcing the importance of diversity in the entertainment industry.
