Frederic Aspiras could make history at this year’s Oscars

Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Master wigmaker and hairstylist Frederic Aspiras could make history at this year’s Academy Awards (Oscars) for his work for the “House of Gucci” film. Aspiras is a longtime friend, collaborator, and personal hairstylist of Lady Gaga.

Per Variety, Aspiras could become just the second Asian American to win in the Oscars hair and makeup category. Aspiras is of Vietnamese and Filipino descent.

Speaking to Variety, he said:

“It’s an honor, but I find it to be socially responsible to bring light and positivity to my heritage and to my community as an Asian American. As someone whose parent was a refugee, I feel it speaks to a lot of young and aspiring artists striving to make an impact in this country to do more.

In the Asian community, we are taught to strive to always do perfectly and to be successful. For my mom, it was her work ethic of being honest, hardworking and providing for the family. She worked three jobs so we didn’t have to worry about our future. That’s what Asian parents do. They sacrifice everything for their children and give up things that they would want themselves and let the children reap the benefits of the hard work. It is something I need to pay her back for.

If I can do that for other Asian Americans who are looking to step out of the norm and be more than what they think they can be, then there is a future for Asian Americans and the possibilities are endless. My drive has always been a reflection of my mom’s upbringing in that if something doesn’t work out, you have to keep trying, and you never give up.”

Previously, Gaga spoke of Aspiras saying, “I’ve been through many highs and lows, consistently throughout my career, and Freddie has been there for it all. He has picked me up off the floor and told me I’m strong, I can persevere, more times than I could ever count. If I was on the floor, he was right there with me.”