The Unforgettable Awards have revealed the recipients for their ceremony scheduled on March 7 in Los Angeles, recognizing outstanding achievement by Asian and Pacific Islander creators in film, television, and culture. Among those honored, Chloé Zhao will receive the prestigious Global Icon Award, highlighting her significant impact on the industry.
Honorees Recognized Across Diverse Categories
In addition to Chloé Zhao’s accolade, Bowen Yang is acknowledged with the Actor in Film award, while Daniel Dae Kim takes home the Actor in Television honor. Renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook is celebrated with the Director award. The ceremony also spotlights emerging talents such as Lawrence Shou for Breakout in Film and Te Ao o Hinepehinga for Breakout in Television. Other honorees include Lloyd Lee Choi for writing, KPop Demon Hunters for the Vanguard Award, Leenda Dong as a Digital Influencer, and Jet Tila for Culinary Excellence in Media.
Leadership and Selection for the 2026 Ceremony
The event is set to be held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles and will be streamed on GoldenTV on March 13 under the theme of “Passion.” The honorees were selected by a committee of creatives, executives, and cultural leaders dedicated to advancing visibility and opportunity for Asian and Pacific Islanders both on and off screen. This committee is co-chaired by Simu Liu and Fala Chen and includes prominent figures such as Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Domee Shi, Benedict Wong, Randall Park, Awkwafina, and Mira Kwok, among others.
Industry Leaders Highlight Importance of Honorees’ Contributions
Takashi Cheng, CEO of GoldenTV, expressed the significance of the awardees’ work, stating,
“This year’s honorees embody the passion that compels our community to tell our stories and push the industry forward,”
and added,
“Their work breaks barriers and reaches audiences far beyond the Asian community.”
These remarks emphasize the ongoing influence of these creators in expanding representation and narratives.
Event Impact and Future Prospects
The recognition of Chloé Zhao and the other recipients at the Unforgettable Awards underscores a continuing movement toward greater diversity and inclusion within entertainment. By celebrating both established icons and emerging voices, the ceremony fosters a stronger platform for Asian and Pacific Islander talents. This event’s visibility is expected to inspire further opportunities for these artists and encourage more authentic storytelling across global media.
