Author Ben Lei

Ben Lei

Senior Contributor

Ben Lei is a senior entertainment journalist at Awards Focus, where he covers the artists and craftspeople shaping today’s film and television landscape. His reporting places a particular emphasis on multicultural representation, with a focus on elevating underrepresented voices both in front of and behind the camera. Over the course of his career, Ben has interviewed Academy Award and Emmy Award winners and nominees across all facets of production—from actors and directors to editors, composers, and production designers—offering readers a deeper understanding of the creative decisions behind some of the year’s most acclaimed projects. His coverage spans major premieres, film festivals, and awards ceremonies, where he has become known for thoughtful, craft-driven interviews that resonate with both industry insiders and general audiences. In addition to his work at Awards Focus, Ben is the founder and co-host of United By Rice, a media platform and podcast dedicated to celebrating AANHPI storytellers and exploring the cultural impact of Asian American voices in entertainment. Through his journalism and original programming, he remains committed to documenting the evolving creative landscape while helping ensure that more inclusive stories are seen, heard, and remembered.

Greg Whiteley on Finding the Humanity Behind ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Season 2

Emmy-winning filmmaker Greg Whiteley discusses the surprising emotional depth behind Netflix’s “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” the physical demands of professional cheerleading, the sisterhood that defines the team, and why the hit docuseries continues resonating with audiences ahead of its newly announced third season.

Inaugural Character Honors Celebrates the Expanding Influence of AAPI Leaders Across Industries

The inaugural Character Honors brought together an influential mix of actors, entrepreneurs, journalists, designers, and executives at The London West Hollywood for a celebration of AAPI leadership across industries. Honoring figures including Lisa Ling, Bobby Hundreds, and Vicky Tsai, the evening helped launch AAPI Heritage Month with a strong sense of community, culture, and shared purpose.

Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds Honor a Comedy Icon in ‘John Candy: I Like Me’ at FYC Event

Amazon MGM Studios hosted a special Los Angeles FYC event for “John Candy: I Like Me,” the upcoming documentary from Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds celebrating the life and legacy of the beloved comedy icon. The film blends archival footage, personal stories, and heartfelt reflection ahead of its TIFF premiere and Prime Video debut.

Film Review: ‘Michael’ Trades Complexity for a Carefully Curated Legacy

A visually striking and musically immersive biopic, "Michael" captures the spectacle of Michael Jackson’s rise but stops short of revealing the man behind it. While Jaafar Jackson impresses in the role, the film’s carefully controlled narrative leaves out the complexity that defines its subject.

‘Beef’ Season 2 Review: Netflix’s Acclaimed Anthology Evolves Beyond Its Original Formula

When “Beef” premiered in 2023, creator Lee Sung Jin delivered one of television’s sharpest examinations of resentment and emotional collapse. Driven by unforgettable performances from Ali Wong and Steven Yeun,... Read More...

PaleyFest 2026: Noah Wyle and the Cast of ‘The Pitt’ Preview a High-Stakes Season Finale

As “The Pitt” heads into its season two finale, the acclaimed drama continues to examine the emotional toll of life inside an emergency department. Noah Wyle and the cast reflect on a season defined by burnout, moral complexity, and characters pushed to their limits, with no guarantee of resolution.

Production Designer Nina Ruscio on the Detail and Scale Behind ‘The Pitt’

On the eve of its season two finale, “The Pitt” stands as one of television’s most acclaimed dramas. Production designer Nina Ruscio reveals how an expansive, meticulously detailed set helped shape the series’ realism, allowing audiences to step inside a fully realized emergency department that feels indistinguishable from the real thing.

86th Annual Peabody Awards Announce Nominees Across Documentary, News, Public Service, and Podcast Categories

The Peabody Awards have announced nominees for its 86th annual ceremony across documentary, news, public service, and podcast categories. Honoring impactful storytelling from 2025, this year’s selections highlight urgent global issues, investigative journalism, and powerful personal narratives across television, streaming, and audio platforms.

Film Review: ‘The Drama’ Finds Uneasy Truths Inside a Twisted Love Story

A seemingly perfect couple’s wedding week unravels after a chilling confession forces one man to question everything he thought he knew about love. “The Drama” is an uneasy, thought-provoking blend of romance and psychological tension that lingers long after it ends.

Bobby Moynihan and Craig Robinson Add Comedic Firepower to ‘The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’

NBC’s “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” blends sharp, character-driven comedy with timely themes of redemption and perception. Featuring standout performances from Bobby Moynihan, Craig Robinson, and Daniel Radcliffe, it’s an easy, genuinely funny series that feels both familiar and refreshing.