The 2023 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards were a celebration of talent and diversity, but one moment stood out among the rest: the acceptance speech given by 94-year-old actor James Hong for the Best Cast award for the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The audience erupted in applause, showing their appreciation and admiration for the talented actor. Keep reading to know more about the iconic speech given by the legendary actor James Hong at SAG Awards 2023, and much more things in a detailed manner
94-Year-Old Actor James Hong Speech At SAG Award
Hong, a veteran actor with a career spanning over 70 years, stole the show with his emotional and inspiring speech. As the camera focused on him, he looked visibly moved and overwhelmed by the moment. On Sunday, February 26, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the renowned actor accepted the award for Best Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. His speech was both heartfelt and humorous.
Co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephanie Hsu, Harry Shum Jr., and Jenny Slate joined James on stage. At the conclusion of the cast’s address, Michelle handed the microphone to James and remarked, “He recently turned 94 and has been performing since there were only 49 states. He has been working towards this moment for 69 years. James Hong, our patriarch, buddy, and Gong-Gong!
Hong began his speech by expressing his gratitude to the cast and crew of “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” He praised the director, Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, and the producers for creating a film that was truly special and groundbreaking.
But then, Hong shifted his focus to a more personal note. He talked about his own struggles as an Asian-American actor in Hollywood and the obstacles he had to overcome to get to where he is today. Hong recounted how he was often typecast as a “villain” or “martial artist” and how he was passed over for leading roles because of his ethnicity.
Who Is James Hong?
James Hong is a legendary actor, producer, and director who has been a familiar face in film and television for over seven decades. Born in Minnesota in 1929, Hong and his family later moved to Hong Kong where he first developed a love for acting and began studying at the University of Southern California after shifting back to the United States of America.
Hong has appeared in over 600 films and television shows throughout his career, making him one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood history. He has become a staple of the entertainment industry, known for his talent, dedication, and versatility as an actor.
One of Hong’s most iconic roles was as the villainous Lo Pan in John Carpenter’s cult classic film “Big Trouble in Little China.” Hong’s performance in the film, which required him to speak in both English and Mandarin, cemented his place in Hollywood history and made him a fan favorite among moviegoers.
In addition to his work on screen, Hong has also lent his talents to various voice acting roles in popular animated series, including “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and “Batman: The Animated Series.” His distinctive voice and incredible range as an actor has made him a sought-after talent in the voice-acting community.
Throughout his career, Hong has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in Hollywood. He has spoken out about the lack of opportunities for Asian-American actors and has called on the industry to do better in terms of casting and creating more diverse stories.
In 2019, Hong was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honor that recognized his incredible contributions to the entertainment industry. The event was a testament to the impact that Hong has had on the industry and the enduring legacy that he will leave behind.
Despite his age, Hong shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to work on new projects and inspire a new generation of actors and filmmakers. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to diversity and representation in Hollywood make him a true icon of the entertainment industry.
Social Media Flooded With Reaction
The audience was moved to tears by Hong’s words, and social media was flooded with messages of support and admiration for the veteran actor. Many people praised Hong for his incredible talent and his commitment to breaking down barriers for Asian-American actors in Hollywood.
Spencer Althouse tweeted,
Ryan Aguirre posted with praise,
Jenny Yang commented,
James Hong’s acceptance speech at the 2023 SAG Awards was a moving and inspiring moment that captured the spirit of the entertainment industry. His words served as a timely reminder of the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, and his life story served as a shining example of the strength and persistence of the human spirit. Generations to come will be inspired by Hong’s legacy as an actor and supporter of diversity, and his contribution to the world of film and television will never be forgotten.
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