Ephney Tsai After taking a year off due to COVID-19, the most unforgettable night of the year is back for its 19th run. This year, the Unforgettable Gala, a night to celebrate Asian American talent, is returning to the Beverly Hilton on December 11th with a special 2021 theme — “RISE.”
For AAPI creatives and artists, the past two years have been all about the need to “RISE.” With an influx of anti-Asian hate crimes during and partially due to the global pandemic, the AAPI community has had to face hardships, including attacks on businesses and the elderly. Despite this, the community has fought back and protected its communities, honoring the shared cultures and heritages of its people. Because of this strength and endurance, this year’s Unforgettable Gala is here to recognize and commemorate, so that these instances of rising to the various challenge do not go forgotten.
This year’s gala will feature several Asian American icons, with host Sherry Cola, and Keynote Speaker Daniel Dae Kim. Award recipients include actresses Sandra Oh and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, director and actor Justin Chon, writer Adele Lim, comedian and actor Jimmy O. Yang, athlete Shohei Ohtani, social media influencer Justin Y. Lee, 88rising founder Sean Miyashiro, and community leaders Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Awards will also be given to not only Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings film, but also director Destin Daniel Cretton and main protagonist Simu Liu.
Hosted by Character Media, this celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders will be bigger than ever before. With a year’s break and more Asian representation in mainstream media than we’ve seen previously, December 11th will be a night to congratulate the stronger-than-ever AAPI presence in the arts and entertainment, and a celebration of the community’s diverse talent and culture.
