The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched the Janet Yang Endowment to Celebrate and Preserve Asian and AAPI Filmmaking.

“As a proud Asian American, it has been a privilege to serve alongside Janet Yang in support and celebration of Asian and AAPI filmmakers,” said Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma. “This endowment builds upon the work the Academy has been doing for decades through our Academy Collection and now through the museum, to share Asian cinema through preservation, public programming, and exhibition.”

The endowment honors the legacy of Yang, the first Asian American president of the Academy, whose dedication to advancing diversity has helped pave the way for greater representation in entertainment and beyond.

“As the Academy continues to expand its global presence, the future of our non-profit cultural institution is strengthened by deepening our reach and impact with the international film community, including Asian and AAPI communities,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “I am so honored that this endowment will support the preservation of international cinema and the education of future generations of filmmakers, cinephiles, and filmgoers.”

To celebrate the launch of the endowment, the museum will screen a limited series of Chinese-language films titled Raising the Lantern: A Celebration of Chinese-Language Cinema, running April 10 through May 24, guest programmed by Yang. The series features films submitted by mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan for consideration for the Academy Awards International Feature Film category.

On May 9, director Ang Lee will join Yang in person for an on-stage conversation following a presentation of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) in 35mm from a print from the Academy Film Archive. Ahead of the May 9 screening, Gold House and the Academy Museum will co-host a reception honoring Yang and her legacy.

The Academy Museum also features Asian and AAPI films through year-round film programming from notable filmmakers such as Gregg Araki, Joan Chen, Arthur Dong, Bong Joon Ho, Sammo Hung, Song Kang-ho, Lisa Lu, Yasujirō Ozu, S.S. Rajamouli, Satyajit Ray, Yim Soon-rye, and Youn Yuh-jung. Programs often feature special in-person appearances.