Jackie Chan advises to flush, but flush not too much
Keeping up with the stars in H-town

Last updated 2-5-09 at 2:01 p.m.

By Ninette Cheng
Northwest Asian Weekly

This month, a notable film featuring Asians was nominated for prestigious awards, a Korean Canadian actress was awarded, and a fashion designer got his big break. Meanwhile, two actors were caught in a scandal and another designer got thrifty. Plus Jackie Chan offered a strange tip on how to conserve water.

Oh, oh, Oh!
Korean Canadian actress Sandra Oh was honored at the Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) Awards on Jan. 21. The Canadian award panel recognizes the achievements and contributions recipients make to the Canadian entertainment industry. Oh is best known for her role as Dr. Christina Yang on “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Cho back to acting, not reality-ing
Margaret Cho and Brooke Elliot will be starring in the Lifetime series,“Drop Dead Diva,” which tells the story of a shallow model-in-training who dies in a sudden accident only to find that her soul has resurfaced in the body of a “brilliant, thoughtful, and plus-size attorney,” according to the Lifetime press release. Cho will play the loyal assistant to Brooke Elliot’s attorney character. The series will be released this summer.

Finally, NBC!
NBC’s “Lipstick Jungle” continues to hang onto its existence by a thread. NBC reports it will consider continuing to run the show if it can work out a cost-sharing finance model. The comedy-drama stars Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, and half-Korean actress Lindsay Price as three high-powered career women who are best friends in Manhattan. The show has finally decided to recognize Price as half-Asian in the season finale — it only took two seasons!

Caught with the top down
Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi caused a stir this week when photographs of her nude on a beach were exposed to the media. More than 80 photographs were released of the actress with her Israeli boyfriend, Vivi Nevo. Zhang’s manager did not deny the photos, but respected the actress’ private life from being invaded. Many Chinese netizens were outraged, and some even claimed that Zhang has brought shame to the Chinese people.

The scandal that won’t go away
Zhang’s scandal comes one year after Edison Chen’s sex photo scandal in Hong Kong. Chen, who is presently in Vancouver, Canada, has refused to return to Hong Kong to testify against Sze Ho-chun, the man accused of stealing the photos. Chen is now set to testify on Feb. 23 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Since the scandal, Chen has retired from the show business and has yet to return to Hong Kong. Edison, head to Hollywood. Sex photo scandals can make your career even bigger there!

Underdog movie to sweep awards?
The awards season is once again in full swing in Hollywood, and the surprise hit of the year is the India-based film “Slumdog Millionaire.” The film, about a young Indian boy who is a contestant on an Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The British film is directed by Danny Boyle and stars British-Indian actor Dev Patel and Indian model-actress Freida Pinto. The Academy Awards will be held on Feb. 22.

Fashion forward
Taiwanese Jason Wu, 26, got his big break when Michelle Obama wore his designs on the election trail. However, it was his inauguration dress for the first lady on Jan. 20 that made him a household name. Wu’s white asymmetrical chiffon gown, embellished with silver thread embroidery and Swarovski crystal rhinestones, was well received by the public and fashion critics. Wu’s spring 2009 collection will be featured in Nordstrom stores. Best of luck to this young up-and-coming designer!

Even Vera Wang feels the crunch
Celebrated wedding gown designer Vera Wang felt the pressure of her pocketbook due to the gloomy economy and as a result, she has decided to cancel her New York Fashion Week show next month. Wang was the first of many designers to drop out; she has saved $50,000 in rental fees for the largest tent, The New York Times reports. Wang will show her fall 2009 collection at her Mercer Street boutique in downtown New York City.

If it’s yellow, let it mellow
Finally, Jackie Chan offers some strange tips for saving the environment. While speaking at a Go Green initiative for Segway (the two-wheeled transporter) in Singapore, Chan talked about how much water is wasted from using the restroom each day. He said he urges the cast and crew on his film sets to flush the toilet once a day at the end of the day. Apparently, it’s his small contribution to saving the environment. Note to self: To conserve sense of smell, stay away from bathrooms on Jackie Chan’s movie sets. (end)

Check back next month to see how Slumdog Millionaire performs and for updates on your favorite (and least favorite) Asian and Asian American celebrities.

Ninette Cheng can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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