By Erin Chew
The stage was set at the Beverly Hilton for the largest and longest-running Asian and Pacific Islander awards spectacular – The Unforgettable Gala (UNFO). Now in its twenty first year, this annual star-studded event highlights AAPI excellence and representation in entertainment, arts and culture from the past year, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
For the first time in the gala’s history, UNFO expanded globally and will broadcast nationwide as a live-to-tape special on the ChimeTV cable network. The emcee for this auspicious event was Simu Liu (Barbie, Marvel’s Shang Chi), returning from his last hosting duties in 2019.
Many talented AAPIs and Asians from other parts of the world who excelled in their fields and careers were awarded, recognized and acknowledged. The award recipients included Charles Melton (Riverdale, The Sun is Also a Star), Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead, Minari, Beef) who were recipients of the Actor in Film and Actor in TV respectively and Greta Lee (Past Lives), Young Mazino (Beef) who were awarded the Breakout in Film and Breakout in TV respectively.
Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians, The Joy Ride) was the recipient of the Director award, Sungjin Lee (Beef) received the Writer award and Steven Lim won the Digital Influencer award. Comedy drama series Never Have I Ever received the Vanguard award and Mackenyu (Netflix’ One Piece) was the recipient of the Global Groundbreaker for One Asia award, Byeong Kyu Cho (SKY Castle, The Uncanny Counter) won the Global Breakout for One Asia award.
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Finally professional golfer Alison Lee was the recipient of the Pechanga Athlete on Another Level award and the legend Bruce Lee was honored with the Lexus Legacy award. A very big mouthful of exceptional AAPIs and Asians who have definitely made impact and created change in their respective fields.
To add to this already jam-packed celebration of Asian excellence, there were many special musical performances including Grammy-nominated rock/pop band Common Kings, and a special Broadway medley honoring API winners of the Tony Awards, performed by Broadway veterans Jennifer Paz, Deedee Magno Hall, and Joan Almedilla, and arranged by award-winning music director Troy Laureta.
What en evening! And the end of another year honoring AAPIs and Asians who have broken down walls and boundaries in different industries.
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