On March 7, 2026, the 23rd Annual Unforgettable Awards took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, spotlighting Asian and Pacific Islander (API) excellence in film, television, and culture. The event, hosted by GoldenTV and Character Media, honored influential artists and storytellers from the API entertainment community, recognizing their contributions with prestigious awards in a star-studded ceremony.
The 2026 ceremony, focusing on the accomplishments of notable artists, prominently featured filmmaker Chloé Zhao, who received the Global Icon Award. This year’s celebration underlined the growing significance of API voices in entertainment, with performances, award presentations, and special appearances that highlighted the diversity and creativity defining this community’s impact.
Honoring Leading Voices and Rising Talents
Chloé Zhao earned the Global Icon Award presented by actor Charles Melton, who praised her as “one of our greatest storytellers,” emphasizing the emotional depth and visionary quality of her films. Zhao accepted the honor with reflections on creativity and heritage, stating,
“it is the birthright of every human being to use their creativity to alchemize their life experiences,”
and expressed pride in her Chinese roots by saying,
“I’m very proud to be Chinese, and the wisdom of my ancestors is not lost on me. I work very hard every day to rediscover it and remember it.”
Other honorees celebrated included Bowen Yang, recipient of the Actor in Film Award for The Wedding Banquet, who was lauded by presenter Atsuko Okatsuka for his
“fearless, razor-sharp timing and the rare ability to make even the most chaotic characters lovable.”
Yang highlighted the evolving visibility of API artists, sharing,
“I’m so happy and lucky that it’s starting to change now because of rooms like this, because of events like Unforgettable, where we can see each other and go from the third person to the first with ourselves.”
He added,
“It’s called a glow for a reason. We are lit from within. We are incandescent.”
The evening also honored emerging talents such as Lawrence Shou with the Breakout in Film Award and Te Ao o Hinepehinga with the Breakout in Television Award. Writer Lloyd Lee Choi was recognized for his writing contributions, while Arden Cho and Ji-young Yoo received the Vanguard Award for their work on KPop Demon Hunters. Leenda Dong was awarded for her influence in digital media, and Jet Tila received recognition for Culinary Excellence in Media. Director Park Chan-wook and actor Daniel Dae Kim were also celebrated with awards presented via pre-recorded messages.
Engaging Performances and Memorable Moments
The awards featured live entertainment from several acclaimed artists. Eric Nam, known both as a singer-songwriter and television personality, delivered a closing performance featuring his singles “How the Fire Started” and “Congratulations.” Magician and mentalist Kevin Li captivated attendees with an interactive act that involved audience members like Randall Park and JR De Guzman, leaving a lasting impression through his surprising illusions. Additional musical performances came from singers Peng Peng and Sinéad Harnett, adding dynamic creativity to the night’s festivities.
Throughout the ceremony, presenters such as Fala Chen, Chrishell Stause, Lewis Tan, Anna Cathcart, Kevin Woo, and Randall Park helped celebrate the honorees and maintain a lively, inclusive atmosphere. The event’s red carpet pre-show, hosted by comedian John Dela Cruz—also known as Nurse John—preceded the main broadcast, providing fans a closer look at the guests and celebrities arriving for this distinguished occasion.
A Community United in Creativity and Representation
The Unforgettable Awards brought together a wide range of industry leaders and artists, including notable figures like Adele Lim, Alicia Hannah-Kim, Bao Nguyen, Brandon Finn, Chris Pang, Christine Ko, Dante Basco, Devin Kawaoka, Gia Kim, Hudson Yang, Jabari Banks, Jack Champion, Justin Chien, Janet Yang, Jeff Timmons, JR De Guzman, Lindsay Price, Liza Soberano, and many others. This gathering illustrated the expansive reach of API talent across film, television, music, and digital content, reinforcing the event’s role as a major platform for community achievement.
All honorees received special gifts from Dior in recognition of their accomplishments, adding to the ceremony’s celebratory tone. Event executive producers Kelly Mi Li and Kimmie Kim oversaw the production, supported by sponsors such as iHeartMedia, VeVe, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), whose involvement highlights continued investment in the growth and visibility of API creators.
GoldenTV and Character Media: Champions of API Storytelling
GoldenTV, a leading platform dedicated to elevating AAPI voices in entertainment, television, digital content, and live events, remains committed to expanding opportunities for diverse creators worldwide. Its signature cultural moments, including the Unforgettable Awards, drive awareness and access while fostering cross-cultural collaboration across the media industry. CEO Takashi Cheng emphasized the event’s importance, stating,
“Unforgettable is not only a celebration of achievement, but also a reminder of our responsibility to keep building opportunity, access, and visibility for those who follow.”
Character Media, with more than two decades of history, continues to amplify API entertainment through its print and digital publications and live celebrations. Together, GoldenTV and Character Media help create a more inclusive future by uniting industry leaders, artists, and audiences in support of storytelling that reflects the richness of the Asian Pacific Islander experience.
The Road Ahead for API Artists and Storytellers
The 23rd Annual Unforgettable Awards reaffirmed the rising influence and diverse voices of the Asian Pacific Islander community in entertainment. By shining a spotlight on trailblazers like Chloé Zhao and emerging stars, the ceremony not only honors current achievements but also inspires continued growth and representation. The event’s upcoming broadcast on March 13 from 6–8 PM PT via GoldenTV will bring wider attention to these artists and their stories, providing an opportunity for a broader audience to engage with this vital cultural celebration.
As API creators continue to elevate their presence in media, platforms like GoldenTV and Character Media will likely remain essential in driving support and fostering momentum, shaping a landscape where these voices gain increased visibility and impact worldwide.
