Global star Priyanka Chopra made a striking return to one of Hollywood's most prestigious stages, marking her third appearance at the Golden Globes Awards ceremony. The actor took on the role of presenter for the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series - Drama, sharing the spotlight with international pop sensation Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal of BLACKPINK. The duo announced Noah Wyle as the winner for his role in 'The Pitt.'
A Legacy of Advocacy: The South Asian Excellence Pre-Oscars Bash
Chopra's latest high-profile appearance has reignited interest in her sustained efforts to amplify South Asian voices in global cinema. This was notably evident during the previous awards season, ahead of the 2023 Academy Awards. For the second consecutive year, Chopra hosted the South Asian Excellence pre-Oscars gathering in Los Angeles, an event that has quickly become an annual fixture.
The timing was significant, coming on the heels of the historic Best Original Song Oscar nomination for 'Naatu Naatu' from the film 'RRR.' The guest list was a testament to the growing influence of South Asian creatives, featuring a blend of film industry stalwarts and global icons. Attendees included Ram Charan with his wife Upasana, Preity Zinta, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, documentary maker Shaunak Sen, actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Mindy Kaling.
The evening was designed to keep the focus squarely on the nominees and creators from the region. Nick Jonas, Chopra's husband, publicly lauded her initiative on social media, writing, "So proud of my incredible wife for putting this event on for the second year in a row to celebrate South Asian Excellence during Oscar's week. Met so many amazing people and got to celebrate the remarkable South Asian nominees this year at Hollywood's biggest night."
Why the 2023 Oscars Season Was a Watershed Moment
The 2023 Oscars represented a landmark year for Indian and South Asian storytelling on the world stage. Beyond 'RRR,' the documentaries 'All That Breathes' by Shaunak Sen and 'The Elephant Whisperers' also earned nominations, signaling a surge of global curiosity in narratives from the region.
Speaking about the intent behind her pre-Oscars event, Chopra emphasized that the night belonged to the nominees. "This night is about the nominees, and you see a lot of them coming. This will be about giving them the stage and giving them a moment," she stated, highlighting her role as a facilitator and champion for her peers.
Using Visibility as a Platform for Change
Priyanka Chopra's journey from Bollywood to a mainstay on international red carpets has been consistently paired with advocacy. Her recent Golden Globes appearance is not merely a celebrity moment but a continuation of a long-term mission. By strategically using her visibility during peak industry events like the Oscars and Golden Globes, she creates crucial space for South Asian talent, ensuring they receive recognition and networking opportunities on a global platform.
From presenting awards with global stars to hosting exclusive celebratory events, Chopra demonstrates how celebrity influence can be harnessed to shift narratives and foster inclusivity in Hollywood. Her work ensures that the spotlight on South Asian excellence continues to grow brighter with each passing awards season.
