20 groundbreaking AAPI women who changed the entertainment industry

Mykenna ManieceMay 29, 2024, 01:27 IST

Miyoshi Umeki, Mindy Kaling, and Auli'i Cravalho.Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images; Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images; John Nacion/Stringer/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
AAPI women have been highly influential in improving representation in entertainment.

AAPI women have made incredible contributions to the entertainment industry, bringing characters like Lara Jean Covey to life, getting songs like "How Far I'll Go" stuck in our heads, and advocating for authentic representations of women of color.

AAPI Heritage Month is held every May to reflect on and celebrate the work and impact of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders throughout history.

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, here are 20 groundbreaking AAPI women in entertainment you need to know about.

Miyoshi Umeki was the first Asian actor to win an Oscar.

Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki with their Academy Awards in 1958.Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images

Ali Wong is the first Asian woman to win a Primetime Emmy for a leading role.

Ali Wong at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards.Jeff Kravitz/Contributor/FilmMagic

At just 14 years old, Auli'i Cravalho brought the voice of Moana, Disney's first Polynesian princess, to life.

Auli'i Cravalho attends the premiere of "Mean Girls" in 2024.John Nacion/Stringer/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

Anna May Wong was the first Asian actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Anna May Wong.John Springer Collection/Contributor/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Padma Lakshmi's new show highlights the cuisine of indigenous and immigrant groups around the US.

Padma Lakshmi at the Empire State Building in celebration of AAPI heritage month in 2024.Noam Galai/Stringer/Getty Images for Gold House

In 2024, Lucy Liu was honored with Gold House's Gold Legend Award.

Lucy Liu at a screening event for Netflix's "A Man in Full" in April 2024.Gilbert Flores/Contributor/Variety via Getty Images

With shows like "Never Have I Ever" and "The Sex Lives of College Girls," Mindy Kaling is changing representation for young women of color.

Mindy Kaling on the Today Show in 2023.Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Taimane Gardner won favorite entertainer of the year at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2019.

Taimane Gardner performing onstage at the 8th Annual Hawaii European Cinema Film Festival Gala in 2017.Michael Kovac/Contributor/Getty Images

Awkwafina was the first Asian woman to win a Golden Globe for best actress.

Awkwafina poses with her award at the Golden Globes in 2020.Kevork Djansezian/NBC/Contributor/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

In 2021, Karrueche Tran became the first AAPI actress to win an Emmy for a leading role.

Karrueche Tran attends Expedia's Global Jam during New Orleans Jazz Fest in April 2024.Erika Goldring/Stringer/Getty Images for Expedia

Ming-Na Wen is a certified Disney Legend.

Ming-Na Wen attends The Casting Society's 39th Annual Artios Awards in March 2024.Amanda Edwards/Contributor/Getty Images

Bessie Loo was an icon for Asian American representation in Hollywood.

Bessie Loo dressed as Yuan's Wife in a publicity shot for "The Rainbow Pass" in 1937.De Carvalho Collection/Contributor/Getty Images

Jocelyne LaGarde's role in her first and only film, "Hawaii," earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Jocelyne LaGarde (L) in the film "Hawaii" in 1966.United Artists/Michael Ochs Archives/Stringer/Getty Images

Keisha Castle-Hughes is the second-youngest best actress nominee in Oscars history.

Keisha Castle-Hughes as Special Agent Hana Gibson in an episode of "FBI: Most Wanted."Mark Schäfer/CBS Photo Archive/Contributor/CBS via Getty Images

Jeannie Mai is best known for her role as a host on shows like "The Real" and "Raid the Cage."

Jeannie Mai attends the Helmut Lang show during New York Fashion Week in 2024.Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Contributor/Getty Images

Nine-time Grammy winner Norah Jones has sold more than 50 million records.

Norah Jones performs on Elton John's Piano at King's Cross St. Pancras Station in March 2024.Shane Anthony Sinclair/Stringer/Getty Images

Dinah Jane was a member of the award-winning girl group Fifth Harmony.

Dinah Jane attends the Los Angeles premiere of "Bob Marley: One Love" in February 2024.Leon Bennett/Stringer/Getty Images

In 1993, Connie Chung became the first Asian woman to co-anchor a national nightly news broadcast.

Connie Chung onstage during the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards in 2023.Kevin Winter/Staff/Getty Images

Lana Condor was the star of Netflix's hit rom-com franchise "To All the Boys I've Loved Before."

Lana Condor at the Roger Vivier Holiday Dinner in 2023.Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images

Musician and author Michelle Zauner was named one of Time100's "Most Influential People of 2022."

Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast performs at "La Prima Estate" Festival in 2023.Francesco Prandoni/Contributor/Getty Images

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