I've been watching Sandra Oh since Grey's Anatomy and her acting is freaking phenomenal. This is even more exciting than watching Oh's character, Cristina Yang, get nominated for the Harper Avery Awards on Grey's Anatomy, which is saying a lot.
Asians are slowly, but gradually rising in media representation—whether it's in film, music, or news. Sandra Oh is the FIRST Asian, specifically Korean-Canadian, woman to be nominated for an Emmy as a lead actress in a drama series category for her show called "Killing Eve."
Grey's Anatomy co-star Ellen Pompeo's congratulatory tweet to Oh brings it back for the OG fans of the 2005 ABC TV series. "Yes!!! So incredibly happy for @IamSandraOh who deserves this more than anyone..No one can touch this girls dedication to storytelling or her talent."
AHHHHH. It's freaking nostalgic to see Meredith Grey supporting Cristina Yang for yet another nomination (but in real life!!) If your person doesn't support you like that, DROP THEM.
But, seriously, this is such a HUGE win for Asian representation in media.
In the past, Asian representation in Hollywood was limited to yellowface and slanted eyes. Asians were portrayed as inferior and imported contraband as a result of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. However, now, Asians are being celebrated for who they are and for their culture.
When asked to speak about her nomination and its potential for diversifying representation in the media, Oh told The New York Times, "...the presence will grow not only to Asian-Americans, you know, from yellow to brown but to all our other sisters and brothers."
Asian representation in media has been growing significantly. To name a few, "Fresh Off The Boat," by Eddie Huang, represents a Chinese family navigating their way through life in America. Netflix's romantic comedy, Set It Up, portrays Lucy Liu as a strong, independent Asian woman in the workplace. Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang created a comedy-drama web television series, Master of None, which proceed to win three Emmy Awards AND a Golden Globe.
When you give someone the opportunity and the environment to display and hone their skills, the fruit that is produced is plentiful. Thank you, Sandra Oh, for fighting a fight that shouldn't have had to be fought in the first place. Here's another win for the Asian community.