“I see Asian people,” as stated by Jeff Yang, CEO and director of aMedia, was literally the theme of aMedia’s first annual AMMY Awards that was held on October 7, at the Hilton Universal City and Towers in Los Angeles.
The sold out gala ceremony co-presented by aMedia (publisher of aMagazine and aOnline.com) and APEX (Asian Professional Exchange) was held to recognize, honor and celebrate Asians and Asian Americans in film and television. Showcasing the increasing number of Asian and Asian American talent, Yang said that the purpose of this event was to directly rebut television network and studio executives’ claim that “there is no good Asian talent out there.”
More than 1200 people attended this star-studded event that was co-hosted by Dustin Nguyen of the hit syndicated series V.I.P. and Tamlyn Tomita of The Joy Luck Club and Karate Kid II. Looking ever inch of a glamorous actress, Tamlyn modeled gown after gown (with accessories to match) from up and coming Asian designers — one of the perks of being the Mistress of Ceremony. Dustin, too did a wardrobe change from the traditional Vietnamese gown to his “rockstar” outfit of tight leather pants, see-through mesh top, a cowboy hat and of course the “I’m-too-sexy” shades. The blaring techno music and a lively Tamlyn shouting “brothers, sisters” juiced up the mostly 20-something crowd. In attendance were Lucy Liu (Ally McBeal, Shanghai Noon, Charlie’s Angels), Marie Matiko (Art of War, Miss Saigon), Lisa Ling (ABC’s The View), Sandra Oh (HBO’s Arli$$, Double Happiness) and Rick Yune (Snow Falling on Cedars) just to name a few.
There certainly was no lack of talent as the evening began with the VIP cocktail party. Celebrities in all their French and Asian haute couture were graciously posing and interviewing for the press. As glasses of Hennesey (one of the event’s sponsors) were sipped and room temperature rose, media frenzy escalated when Lucy Liu made her appearance. One of the most recognizable Asian actress today, the petite actress dressed in a colorful striped halter by Chloe was there to support the “cause” as well as to promote her upcoming film Charlie’s Angeles. Poised and polished, Lucy considers herself an actress first and a role model second.
“I think people will see that more and more, and I hope that’s what is really gonna take precedence in playing a part,” said the freckled faced Lucy. To persevere is the key to success in Lucy’s mind. Seeing how comfortable she was in front of all the cameras and blinding flashbulbs, Lucy is persevering well in her newfound stardom.
Looking very slick in a black velvet halter-top jumpsuit and a 70’s style caramel hat, Sandra Oh made sure to mention that “the hat is Korean!” Eugenia Kim designed the hat. Chatty and fun, Sandra said how nice it was to be able to see people from East and West Coast come together for this event. When asked if being an Asian role model is a factor in the roles she audition for, Sandra semi-jokingly said that she thinks about being hired first and foremost.
A dedicated performer, Sandra cautions all aspiring actors that “if this (acting) is just a hobby or a passing fancy or if you’re getting into this just for the glamour, don’t bother, it’s heartbreaking work.” Heartbreaking work it is but people like Sandra are succeeding and making the work pay off. She’s currently working on Gary Marshall’s Princess Diaries and Steven Spielberg’s A.I.
Tim Lounibus, one of the night’s presenters is not your typical male Asian actor. Standing close to 6’2”, this part Korean, German and Irish actor has guest starred in over 20 television shows like 18 Wheels of Justice, Becker, Profiler, Snoops, The Pretender, JAG and Touched by an Angel. He has a recurring role in The Practice this fall.
Tim believes that trying to build publicity for Asian American artists is a wonderful and necessary thing, “when you got the Emmys and the Oscars that everyone sees, it’s wonderful for our community to become aware of who we are.” Tim is also the co-founder and co-artistic director of Lodestone Theatre Ensemble, a non-profit organization geared to nurture Asian American actors, writers and producers. Next on Tim’s production slate will be the birth of his first child with his wife, Jenny.
When asked how he got into acting, Rick Yune’s response was, “You don’t know? Ah, man.” It was the classic story for Rick. He began modeling and was “discovered” by a talent agent in an elevator. When asked about the Ammy Awards, Rick replied, “It’s good. It’s awesome. I support aMagazine, I support all Asian efforts in the media.” Rick also has a very realistic, even harsh view of the entertainment industry. He said, “this (acting) is a business, meaning basically you’re a product, so you gotta think about being able to sell in the market. Artistic thing is fine and dandy, but bottom line is if you’re gonna get work, it’s based on whether you’re marketable or not.” Rick is certainly a fine commodity who is currently working with Vin Diesel on a feature entitled Redline. No more modeling for this actor which is too bad since he wears Valentino impeccable well.
As the celebrities and audience took their seats and the event went underway, the winners of aMedia’s first annual Ammy Awards were as follows:

Best Short Film
Twinkle, Twinkle
Directed by Bing Yao

Best Foreign Feature
Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl
Directed by Joan Chen

Best Independent Feature
Three Seasons
Directed by Tony Bui

Best Documentary
Young Asianz Rizing! Breaking Down Violence Against Women
Directed by ACVPC Video Team

Best Hollywood Picture
The Sixth Sense
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Best Female Actor in a Televised Production
Kelly Hu
Marital Law

Best Female Actor in Cinematic Production
Lucy Liu
Shanghai Noon

Best Male Actor in a Cinematic Production
Chow Yun Fat
Anna and the King

Best Male Actor in a Televised Production
Dustin Nguyen
V.I.P.

Anime Award
Princess Mononoke

aMedia/APEX Action! Award
Jack Ong

aMedia/APEX Corporate Leadership
David Magadael

Lifetime Achievement
James Shigeta

The nominees and the winners of the Ammy Awards were selected in a public poll held this summer on aMedia’’ website, aOnline.com as well as aMagazine, aMedia’s market-leading Asian American magazine. As the CEO of aMedia said, this is for the people, by the people which might explain the rather arbitrary categories and nominees.
For the complete list of all the nominees, click to www.aonline.com. Overall, the two-hour event seemingly went smoothly considering it was her maiden voyage. When asked if the event was worth the $45 ticket, Grace Kim, a 21 year old aspiring actress from Gardena with a camera in each of hand and a big star-dazed smile simply gushed, “Yes!”
So did the Ammy Awards make an impact in “white Hollywood?” Did it show all those executives that there were plenty of talented Asian and Asian American actors, writers and filmmakers? It did for one night as our brothers and sisters in the entertainment industry came together in support of solidarity and celebration. “If not us, then who will,” was what Bobby Lee a struggling screenwriter said as his friends all nod in agreement.
Surprisingly absent from the presenters and the audience were all those Asian television and studio executives, managers and agents who yield some power in ensuring that more great roles and great stories are performed and told by Asian and Asian American talent. Hmmm, maybe next year? And where was Margaret Cho? Margareeeeet?!

Ellen Huang is an executive at Helen Hunt’s production company at Sony.
She is also the producer of award-winning short films. SoYun Kim is a
literary agent at Major Clients Agency.