Photos: The Academy
As Hollywood prepares for the 97th Academy Awards, we not only honor the best in film but also continue to amplify diverse voices. The event will be a night of firsts, with BLACKPINK’s Lisa as the first K-pop solo artist to perform on the Oscars stage and Bowen Yang’s debut as a presenter. Notably, Raj Kapoor will continue to lead the charge behind the curtain. These inclusions not only reflect the Academy’s growing commitment to highlighting global talents but also affirm that Asian talent is no longer on the periphery—it’s at the center of the celebration.this is th
Following Thai-born global superstar Lisa’s global success as a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK and as a solo artist, she recently made her impressive acting debut as Mook on the third season of The White Lotus. Her first solo studio album, Alter Ego, was also just released. Her performance on the Oscars stage is a highly anticipated event. She will be a part of an impressive lineup that includes Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Queen Latifah, and Raye.
Bowen Yang, known for his sharp wit and cultural commentary, will make his Oscars presenter debut. Already a trailblazer as the first Chinese American cast member of Saturday Night Live, his appearance on the Oscars stage will be another milestone for Asian and LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. He recently appeared in the critically acclaimed musical movie Wicked, which was nominated for ten categories including Best Picture. He will also star in the upcoming romantic comedy film remake of The Wedding Banquet.
At the heart of this year’s production is Raj Kapoor, serving as executive producer and showrunner. Kapoor, who has been part of the Oscars production team for nine years, described this year’s ceremony as a celebration of connection and community. In a recent press conference, he emphasized the importance of uplifting diverse voices, both in front of and behind the camera.
“We wanted to create beautiful moments on stage that celebrate this amazing city we live in and amazing films that were filmed here, with an uplifting and beautiful message,” Kapoor said.
With Kapoor at the helm, the Oscars are embracing a vision that blends glamour with social consciousness. His leadership underscores how representation behind the scenes is just as critical as what happens on stage.
As Kapoor put it, the Oscars are not just about star power—they’re about honoring the collaborative spirit that makes great films possible. “We want everyone that works on the show to feel the same energy and excitement,” he said.
Timid is expected to join the prestigious event at the Dolby Theatre, where we will continue to celebrate the stories of Asian artists shaping the future of entertainment. From the bright lights of the Oscars stage to the voices working behind the scenes, this year’s show reminds us that inclusion isn’t just a trend—it’s the new standard.
