Executive Round Up: What Recent Pop Culture Moment Showed Progress in Diversity and Inclusion in Entertainment?
We asked the Cablefax Diversity List what recent pop culture moment showed progress in diversity and inclusion in entertainment. Here’s what they had to say.
Bernard Gugar
General Counsel and EVP, Corporate Development
Fox News Media
The 2023 Grammy Awards. People invited to perform were from varied backgrounds, covered a wide swath of genres, and yet collectively managed to electrify both the live audience in attendance and many of those (at least based on press reporting) watching from home. Voices and personas varied from Harry Styles to Bad Bunny, Luke Combs to Kim Petras, and Brandi Carlile to Stan Smith, all culminating with a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, during which the literal creators of Hip-Hop 50 years ago performed with some of today’s most popular artists within that genre.
Kohposh Kuda
SVP, Xfinity Mobile
Comcast
The one that jumps out for me is the movie ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once,’ starring Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephanie Hsu, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. When Michelle won her Oscar, she spoke about her success, her trials and tribulations, and how she embodies the true American success story of forging your own path. Yeoh’s Oscar win creates possibility for the younger generation to truly push the boundaries of what’s possible. That movie was also monumental in the diversity of the entire cast and crew. Daniel Kwan, the co-director said that ‘they wanted to make a move that everyone can relate with.’ And that proved to be successful, as they received more Oscar nominations than any other film during the awards ceremony. Also, during the awards ceremony, seeing actor Jamie Lee Curtis champion Michelle Yeoh’s successful nomination, shows the power of sponsorship and allyship.
Daphne Leroy
SVP, Advertising, Strategy & Culture
Paramount Global
A significant moment occurred during this year’s Academy Awards when Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh took home the Best Actress statue for her leading performance in the acclaimed movie ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once.’ Yeoh became the first-ever Asian actress and only the second actress of color to win in this category since Halle Berry in 2002. For me, Yeoh’s acceptance speech was truly inspirational as she addressed the little boys and little girls who look like her that this win was proof that dreams do come true. Additionally, Yeoh encouraged women of all ages not to let anyone say they are past their prime and to never give up!
