LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adele Lim and Eugene Lee Yang will co-chair the 22nd Annual Unforgettable Gala, set to return to the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, Dec. 14, and bringing together some of the year’s biggest Asian and Pacific Islander names in entertainment, arts and culture. Marking a new era, the preeminent API awards gala, also known as UNFO, will be produced for the first time by GoldenTV and Character Media, as part of the Golden Media family of companies.
“Unforgettable is truly one of the most anticipated, exciting events in Asian Hollywood because it is a real celebration of our peers by our peers,” noted Lim, the critically acclaimed writer behind blockbuster films such as “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and “Joy Ride.” “This year’s UNFO is even more meaningful, with so many seasoned professionals who have come up together. We get to celebrate our successes and pass the torch to the next generation of API talent and innovators.”
For more than two decades, the annual awards show is the largest and longest-running celebration of its kind. As gala co-chairs, Lim and Yang will helm this year’s distinguished awards selection committee of leading actors, recording artists, filmmakers, studio executives, and community leaders, a venerable “who’s who” list of API Hollywood.
“UNFO began at a time when Asians were truly invisible in this industry, when there were so few roles and even fewer stories of ours, so no one else was really recognizing us,” added filmmaker actor Yang, the internet trailblazer known for paving the way with BuzzFeed and comedy group The Try Guys.
“Adele and I appreciate how much it means to be recognized at Unforgettable, to be celebrated by the members of our own community. As we gear up to lead this year’s selection committee, we are excited to highlight the incredible work that’s being created.”
As this year’s co-chairs, Lim and Yang will oversee award nominations and voting by the selection committee. Both are previous UNFO award recipients, with Lim most recently recognized with the 2023 Director Award for “Joy Ride,” and in 2015, Yang received the Male Breakout Award.
The Unforgettable Gala was founded in 2002 by Asian-centered media company Character Media, formerly Kore Asian Media, Audrey Magazine, and KoreAm Journal. As part of the Golden Media family of companies, GoldenTV, the first cable network and streaming platform dedicated to Asian Pacific stories, will lead and co-produce this year’s event.
“UNFO has long been a pillar in the API community, and we are honored to join the producing team in ensuring the gala’s continued success,” said Takashi Cheng, founder and CEO of Golden Media. “As we work to continue building the gala’s legacy, we look forward to many more years of spotlighting API talent and bridging together the global Asian Pacific entertainment community.”
The 22nd Annual Unforgettable Gala promises another spectacular night of live performances, awards and surprises. The annual black-tie event is by invitation only and open to a limited number of partners and sponsors.
This year, the gala will once again air nationwide as a live-to-tape awards show special on Wednesday, Dec. 18, when audiences can watch on ChimeTV powered by GoldenTV, with repeat airings again on cable, on demand and via streaming, per local listings. More information about UNFO sponsorship or advertising opportunities is available at www.unforgettablegala.com.
About GoldenTV
GoldenTV is the first streaming platform that combines Asian and Pacific Islander stories into one limitless, creator-centric home. It will offer everything broadcasted on AAPI cable channel ChimeTV plus exclusive interviews, event coverage and more. GoldenTV delivers Asian Pacific experiences online through its SVOD, OTA and FAST channels, and offline through live events such as the annual Unforgettable Gala. Follow GoldenTV on Instagram @GetGoldenTV.
About Character Media
Character Media has been the premier source of news and events for the Asian American entertainment community for more than 30 years (along with its predecessors Kore Asian Media, KoreAm Journal and Audrey Magazine). Follow Character Media on Instagram @Character.Media.
