Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: Spotlight on Janet Yang

anushka
May 2
3 min read

WISE Spotlight: Janet Yang

Honoring a Legend this AANHPI Heritage Month

At WISE (Women in Showbiz Everywhere), we believe in honoring those who’ve not only broken barriers but built bridges for others to walk across. This AANHPI Heritage Month, we are incredibly proud to spotlight a woman whose legacy continues to shape the global entertainment landscape: Janet Yang — Emmy and Golden Globe-winning producer, cultural visionary, and the first Asian American President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

A Voice for Cross-Cultural Storytelling

Janet Yang’s journey in Hollywood began with a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western narratives. A second-generation Chinese American, she was raised in Queens, New York, and educated at Brown University and Columbia Business School. Early on, Janet demonstrated a rare ability to bridge cultures — a skill that would later define her career.

Her entry into the entertainment industry was unconventional but pioneering. She worked in China in the early 1980s when few Westerners had access to the country’s cultural sector, helping to facilitate the export of Chinese films to the U.S. and serving as a bridge between Hollywood studios and Chinese production companies. It wasn’t long before she was collaborating with the likes of Steven Spielberg, serving as a key liaison for Empire of the Sun (1987), which was filmed in Shanghai.

Producing with Purpose

In 1993, Janet produced the groundbreaking The Joy Luck Club, based on Amy Tan’s bestselling novel. The film was a cultural landmark — one of the first major Hollywood features centered on the Asian American experience, told through the lens of intergenerational Chinese American women. It shattered stereotypes, touched hearts, and remains a touchstone for many Asian American creatives today.

Her filmography is as bold as it is diverse, spanning critically acclaimed titles such as The People vs. Larry Flynt, Zero Effect, Dark Matter, and Over the Moon, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Throughout her career, Janet has consistently chosen projects that elevate underrepresented voices, explore identity, and challenge the status quo.

A Historic Presidency at the Academy

In 2022, Janet Yang was elected President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the fourth woman and first Asian American ever to hold the prestigious position. Her appointment came at a pivotal moment, as the Academy continues to grapple with questions of equity, access, and global representation. Janet brings both clarity and compassion to her leadership, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of cinema.

As she told the New York Times, “We are all elevated when we embrace the full spectrum of storytelling.”

Advocacy and Leadership Beyond the Screen

Beyond her creative work, Janet is an outspoken advocate for systemic change in the entertainment industry. She is a co-founder of Gold House, an influential collective that amplifies Asian and Pacific Islander voices across media, business, and culture. She also serves on the boards of the Committee of 100 and Asia Society Southern California, using her platform to foster cross-cultural understanding and support emerging talent.

She frequently mentors, speaks at conferences, and contributes to policy discussions around representation, equity, and the future of media.

A Legacy in Motion

Janet Yang’s story is far from finished. She continues to lead, mentor, and champion new voices in film, television, and beyond. As we celebrate her this AANHPI Heritage Month, we also celebrate what she represents: resilience, vision, and the power of inclusive storytelling.

From all of us at WISE, thank you, Janet, for showing us what’s possible.

Follow us this month as we continue to honor Janet’s remarkable journey through quotes, stories, and reflections from those she’s inspired.

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