There are so many amazing and talented people working in the film industry today from all kinds of backgrounds. They include many extremely talented and famous Asian actresses from all different backgrounds and practices. From the top east Asian actresses to the top south Asian actresses and everybody in between, there are lots of talented Asian actresses in film you can keep an eye on as you search for movies and shows you want to watch.
Here are some of the top Asian actresses working in the film industry right now.
-
Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu is both a classic choice and a hot new commodity of the day, it seems, because this woman does not age. At 53, she is going as strong as ever, with films under her belt like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Kill Bill,” and “Set It Up.” With two SAG awards and a Seoul International Drama award, Lucy Liu is one of the undisputed queens of the screen.
https://youtu.be/myrXpik5hlU
-
Awkwafina
Awkwafina is a newer face to the screen, but she’s already proven that she has range and staying power. From her more comedic roles in projects like “Nora From Queens” and “Crazy Rich Asians” to her more serious films like “The Farewell,” Awkwafina has crafted herself a deeply impressive and fulfilling acting career.
-
Mindy Kaling
Speaking of comedic actresses, Mindy Kaling is a powerhouse of creation. Not only is she a highly skilled actress, but she also writes, directs, and produces many of her own projects. From her roots on “The Office” to her more personalized projects like “The Mindy Project,” Mindy Kaling is a total boss.
-
Constance Wu
Constance Wu is a great actor with quite a range of characters. From “Crazy Rich Asians” to “Hustlers” to “Fresh off the Boat,” she’s earned herself nominations for Television Critics Association (TCA) awards and Critics Choice Awards — and she’s still on the up and up with her many accomplishments.
-
Priyanka Chopra
Many people know Priyanka Chopra as Nick Jonas’ wife, but Priyanka brings so much more to the table than her arm candy. She’s been in a number of movies, she’s modeled, produced films, and has won the Miss World pageant, making her much more than a triple threat.
-
Ali Wong
Ali Wong is the comedian to put all other comedians to rest — no matter who you’re talking to. When she broke onto the scene with her Netflix standup comedy special “Baby Cobra,” she had the whole world laughing and totally captured their hearts. Since then, she’s moved on to writing even more comedy specials, plus acted in a variety of shows and movies like “Always Be My Maybe.”
-
Vanessa Hudgens
You know Vanessa Hudgens from the “High School Musical” series, but she has done so much more since then. From her earlier breakout in “Spring Breakers” to her more recent musical theater ventures and serious roles like her part in “Tick, Tick… Boom!” she has truly earned her place as an actor with range, charm, and talent, and she still has so much more to do!
https://youtu.be/m65cTcUlBwM
-
Chloe Bennet
This up-and-coming talent is a newer one on the scene, but she brings a ton of talent and great energy. You may recognize her from Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” the project for which she is best known. If you like her work, you can also hear her voice in “Abominable” and see her shine in “Valley Girl” and “5 Years Apart.”
-
Lana Therese Condor
Lana Therese Condor is young, but she has so much potential and so many accomplishments under her belt already. You may know her as Jubilee from “X-Men: Apocalypse.” After starring in “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” she’s been involved in a variety of projects, with many more on their way, including the Mars-centric “Moonshot,” which is due out in 2022.
-
Maggie Q
You know Maggie Q for playing Nakita, or you may know her from more recent works like the “Divergent” series and “Queen of Canton.” In 2020, she was in “Fantasy Island,” “The Argument,” and “Death of Me.” Even though she may not be at the top of everyone’s radar right now, expect her talent to keep shining.
Top Asian Actresses Working in Film Today
Many different kinds of people and varieties of content are offering new voices of diversity and authenticity, and that’s surely something to celebrate.
There are so many extremely talented actors working today, from all different backgrounds and life experiences. In fact, there are lots of Asian trailblazers we didn’t even have time to mention here. There’s simply an abundance of amazing Asian actresses! Do you have a favorite performer mentioned on this list?
More Ginger Abbot
What Makes a Woman Different Than a Man in Film Industry Roles?
Did You Know?
- Raindance Film Festival is considered one of the top fifteen film festivals in the world?
- Raindance has a Higher Education programme offering HND, BA and MA in Filmmaking and Screenwriting?
- Raindance members support indie film, and enjoy a range of benefits
Ginger Abbot is a freelance writer and graduate student with a passion for helping others find their career paths. Read more of her work on Classrooms, where she serves as Managing Editor.
