South Asian Excellence Celebrated At Annual Pre-Oscars Event

The second Annual South Asian Excellence event at the Pre-Oscars was recently celebrated, honoring films and stars from Everything Everywhere All at Once, RRR, and many more. Many south Asian celebrities joined the party that was hosted by the likes of Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anjula Acharia. 

Other than the two famous celebrities, others, such as Malala Yousafzai, Aziz Ansari, and Kumail Nanjiani, were also present as co-chairs of the event. A lot of them were all glammed up thanks to south Asian designer Salguni Shane Peacock. This time, the event was bigger, better, and bolder.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Chopra Jonas has been an icon of south Asian excellence ever since she appeared in the hit TV show Quantico. Since then, the actress has appeared in many movies and has cemented herself as a symbol of what opportunity can do for diversity. Speaking about the event as the host, Chopra Jonas said:

“Last year’s event came from like-minded people coming together and saying, ‘You know, we should have something where the South Asian community can feel like it’s theirs,” said the actress. “The event had such a great response from the community, executives and studios. We had Paramount wanting to host (this year’s event) for us and when you see something like that happen, it’s getting bigger and better every year.”

She applauded the whole room, mentioning how south Asian artists work hard and break their backs just to find that ounce of representation that can change their lives forever. The moment was dedicated to everyone who had put in their best efforts in the industry.

 “These are people whose shoulders we stand on to be able to create this. These are all the guys that are hustling and demanding representation when no one was giving into them. And today we look around at this room and say ‘This is their moment.’”

Co-chair Malala Yousafzai was also present at the event. Malala has been an ardent fighter for justice for women. She became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 years of age. She is now the proud executive producer of Oscar short documentary nominee Stranger at the Gate by Joshua Seftel. 

“For me, South Asian Excellence is the story of every person from South Asia,” she said. “It’s the people that have worked for years and years and brought inspiring stories to the screen through their talent. It’s the people who touch our hearts through their artwork, but also the new South Asian artists who are taking a jump to set a higher standard and share their stories as well.”

Shows like Ms. Marvel and Never Have I Ever were credited by her for bringing sharp attention to South Asian characters and, in the process, artists. She hopes that young talent from the region keeps making strides in the industry with each passing day.

“I would say to all young South Asians to believe in your work and take every opportunity because (the youth) are the ones that can actually change the system,” she said. “Things remain as they are unless someone steps up and challenges it.”

Actress Frieda Pinto was also present at the event. She went on stage to talk about the rarity of such events where brilliant South Asian minds collide. She was doubtlessly excited to see all her fellows in one place. 

 “I feel like we’ve all been doing our respective jobs in pods never really meeting each other so moments like this are really important that we can all come face to face and celebrate each other and be so proud of coming so far.”