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Anna Sawai Wants to Eliminate Stereotypes for Asian Female Characters

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anna sawai


Akina Chan – with permission

Anna Sawai smiles when she recalls telling a friend as a teenager that she wanted to become an actress. Her friend told her, “You look like you could be in Fast & Furious.” Little did Sawai know she’d one day land the role of Elle, a mysterious girl who loses her parents at age 11 in F9: The Fast Saga, out June 25. “Elle had a very traumatic childhood, but she’s a fighter,” says Sawai over Zoom from Tokyo.

anna sawai

Sawai at the F9: The Fast Saga premiere.

Frazer HarrisonGetty Images

The 29-year-old actress grew up between New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Japan due to her father’s job with an electronics company. Meanwhile, her mother, who studied opera, taught her to sing, which helped her secure the title role in a Tokyo stage production of Annie. From there, she made her film debut in 2009’s Ninja Assassin and performed as part of a J-pop group named FAKY.

Joining a well-oiled machine like the Fast franchise was intimidating, but director Justin Lin couldn’t have been more welcoming. “He knew I didn’t have much experience and really guided me through it,” she says. Next, Sawai will play Naomi, a savvy businesswoman in the Apple TV+ adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s historical novel Pachinko.

Here, the actress discusses F9, working with Vin Diesel, and eliminating stereotypes for Asian female characters.

How does it feel to be joining the Fast & Furious franchise?

I still don’t believe it. This is something that I grew up watching, and Tokyo Drift was so huge in Japan. Fast forward to now, I’m part of it and it’s so iconic and it still feels like a dream. I think once it’s out and people watch it, I’ll be able to kind of feel like it’s really happened, but at this point it feels unreal.

anna sawai, michelle rodriguez, jordana brewster

Sawai, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster in F9: The Fast Saga.

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Do you remember the moment you heard you got the role?

It was a few weeks after my audition, and it was my birthday. I was in my bed in my Tokyo apartment. I knew that I might be hearing from my reps during the night, so I woke up to check my phone multiple times. It was the most amazing gift I could ever receive.

Can you tell us about your character Elle?

She’s a 19 year old woman who lives in Tokyo, and she loses her parents when she’s 11 years old. Her parents are scientists. She has this very big secret that is yet to be revealed in the film, but I think that’s all I can say. I don’t want to spoil it!

sung kang anna sawai fast and furious

Sawai and co-star Sung Kang in F9: The Fast Saga.

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

What was it like working with director Justin Lin?

He was so patient with me. We have some emotional scenes in there, but he would just look at me and ask, “Are you okay?” You can really feel that he was there for you. The way that he approaches actors is so gentle, and he’s very collaborative. He’s open to hearing what you think, and it’s just been such a wonderful process with him.

fast and furious 9 premiere

The cast of F9: The Fast Saga with director Justin Lin.

Frazer HarrisonGetty Images

How was the cast chemistry on set?

It was such a warm environment. Everyone was so welcoming, but obviously I was really nervous being the new kid coming from nowhere. But Nathalie Emmanuel [who plays Megan Ramsey] came up to me, and she was like, “I totally understand how you feel. I was the new girl too a few years ago, but you have nothing to worry about. I’m here. Just let me know if you need anything.”

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What was it like working with Vin Diesel?

He’s really like the character you see in the Fast films where he treats everyone like family. I remember him telling me that he’s really proud of what I’ve been doing so far and that there is a lot to come. He treats everyone equally and watching him made me think, when I’m eventually at that point where I’ve had a lot of experience, I want to be able to treat everyone the way that he does. With so much love and care.

anna sawai vin diesel

Sawai with co-star Vin Diesel at the F9 premiere.

Frazer HarrisonGetty Images

Next, you’re starring in the Apple TV+ adaptation of Pachinko. What drew you to this project?

Pachinko

Grand Central Publishing
amazon.com

I loved the book so much. My character Naomi is one of the few who doesn’t appear in the book, but when I read the description for the audition, I just knew that it was something I wanted to do. She’s working in this time when, even more than now, women didn’t have the same opportunities as men, and they weren’t taken seriously in society. She’s struggling to prove herself to the men in the office.

How do you approach choosing the characters you play?

The characters I play always [represent] something that I think is important. Yes, Elle is Asian and does action, but there’s a reason why. She had to become a fighter to protect herself. There’s so much depth to her. And Naomi is struggling to stand up for herself at a time when it was really difficult for women [to do so]. I don’t want to perpetuate the stereotype of Asian characters because there are still a lot of characters like that. I just want to try different roles.

An abridged version of this article appears in the June/July 2021 issue of ELLE.

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Jennifer Lopez Joined Ben Affleck In L.A. With Kids For Thanksgiving

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Jennifer Lopez Joined Ben Affleck In L.A. With Kids For Thanksgiving


On Wednesday night, Jennifer Lopez arrived in Los Angeles with her 13-year-old twins Max and Emme. The family was likely there to join Lopez’s boyfriend, Ben Affleck, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lopez recently returned from the much colder climate of British Columbia, Canada, where she was filming her latest project, The Mother.

J. Lo touched down in her private jet wearing a teddy fur coat from Coach’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, and a pair of Ugg boots. Classic airplane outfit, celebrity style. Lopez and Affleck originally dated in 2002 and broke up in 2004. Their romance was rekindled earlier this year, soon after Lopez ended her relationship with baseball player Alex Rodriguez. The new couple went official in July, while celebrating Lopez’s 52nd birthday abroad.

Affleck’s most recent relationship with Ana de Armas ended in January after about a year together. He had divorced ex-wife Jennifer Garner in 2015 after being married for almost a decade. Garner and Affleck had three daughters, Violet, Seraphina, and Sam.

Before traveling back to the U.S., Lopez posted a story to Instagram Reels about how grateful she was to be headed home.

“Hey everybody, it’s my last day here shooting on The Mother out in Smithers in the snow, it’s been beautiful, but tonight I’m on my way home,” she said, as she walked through the wild landscape in a black coat and beanie.

“I’m so excited for Thanksgiving! I hope everybody has an amazing weekend with their families and their loved ones, there’s so much to be grateful for this year. I’m on my way!”

This is the first major holiday of the year since Lopez and Affleck reunited, so it’s likely to be a big one for both families.

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Everlane’s Black Friday Sale is Packed With Winter Essentials

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This is not a drill: Everlane just kicked off its Black Friday sale. Now through Monday, November 29, the direct-to-consumer brand is offering 20 to 40% off its cozy sweaters, minimalist activewear, and popular jeans. If you’re not super familiar with Everlane, let me spell it out for you: this is a big deal.

The e-tailer might be known for making sustainable, ethically made clothes and accessories at a fair, affordable price, but Everlane rarely has sales beyond its Choose What You Pay section. So, if you want to stock up on cute basics for less, now’s your time to shop.

And, in true Everlane fashion, the brand is taking this opportunity to give back. Everlane is partnering with Rodale Institute and help U.S. farmers transition their farmland to regenerative organic—and donating $15 per order to the cause. A great sale that gives back? I’m sold.

But, hurry! These deals are going to sell out fast, so you won’t want to waste any time filling your e-cart.

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1

The Cloud Turtleneck

$150 $105 (30% off)

Sweater weather is officially here, so why not pick up a few fresh layers? This turtleneck is the S’s: snuggly, stylish, and on sale. 

2

The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans

everlane

$78 $58 (25% off)

Looking for a great pair of jeans, minus the markup? Everlane’s classic skinny style is not only super stretchy, but it’ll look good with everything from chunky sweaters to silky blouses.

3

The ReNew Teddy Slippers

everlane

$65 $39 (40% off)

Why limit the shearling trend to the upper half of your body? These plush slippers will give even your most worn-in sweats a stylish edge.

4

The Chunky Cardigan

everlane

$110 $77 (30% off)

Sure, this may not be the cardigan Taylor Swift was talking about. But, with an exaggerated collar and ribbed finish, this style would definitely score top marks from the singer herself. 

5

The Canvas Utility Boots

everlane

$115 $59 (40% off)

Brave the cold weather in style with Everlane’s chic boots. The canvas uppers and thick sole make these an ideal, all-weather option.

6

The Lofty-Knit Henley

everlane

$150 $105 (30% off)

Made with a nubby blend of merino wool, alpaca, and recycled nylon, this henley is perfect for a cozy night in, yet stylish enough to wear in public.

7

The Perform Bike Shorts

everlane

$45 $22 (51% off)

No, you can never have too many stretchy pants. Everlane’s bike shorts ooze major Lady Di vibes — for under $25, no less.

8

The ReLeather Court Sneakers

everlane

$110 $66 (40% off)

Made with recycled leather, these refresh sneakers will serve up major curb appeal — and Mother Nature’s seal of approval. 

9

The Field Dress

everlane

$100 $60 (40% off)

Found: a fun, flouncy frock you can wear year-round. For a wintry take, pair with opaque tights and your favorite chunky boots.

10

The Cozy-Stretch Wide-Leg Sweatpants

everlane

$150 $75 (50% off)

With a straight-legged silhouette and wool material, it’s safe to say these are the chicest sweatpants we’ve ever seen. To sweeten an already enticing offer, this pair is half off.

11

The Organic Cotton Flannel Popover

$80 $56 (30% off)

Everlane reimagined the traditional flannel with a cropped silhouette, voluminous sleeves, and a slew of minimalist colors.

12

The Studio Bag

everlane

$275 $192 (30% off)

Large enough to fit all your essentials, but not too big that it’ll weigh you down, Everlane’s Studio Bag is the perfect everyday purse.

13

The ReNew Long Liner

everlane

$158 $118 (25% off)

House Stark was right: winter really is coming. Made with recycled materials, this liner is a great layering piece that’s considerably chicer than the yesteryear’s Michelin Man-worthy parkas.

14

The Felted Merino Beanie

everlane

$50 $30 (40% off)

All set on clothes? Pick up this cheery beanie, which is 40% off its original price.

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29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy

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29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy



29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy

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