Character Media’s annual Unforgettable Gala has returned in 2023 for its 21st year. Taking place on December 16th at the Beverly Hilton, this year also marks the first time the award show went global by partnering with AsiaLab, honoring influential API stars around the world. This year’s gala is also the first to broadcast publicly with a new partnership with ChimeTV.
Each year, the event follows a different theme to honor and uplift AAPI communities. In recent years, 2021 saw the gala’s return from a COVID-19 induced hiatus, and the theme was befittingly “Rise,” which focused on Asian American communities coming together and rising against the influx of anti-Asian hate crimes during and partially due to the global pandemic. 2022 was a year of representation on the rise, and was celebrated with the theme “Illuminate,” shining the spotlight on the brightest stars of the Asian American community, particularly those who have lit the way for the next generation.
While there was no official theme for 2023’s Unforgettable Gala, the event maintained its focus on showcasing and honoring AAPI and API talent.
2023 Honorees List:
Host: Simu Liu
Keynote Speakers: Destin Daniel Cretton and Lisa Ling
Actor in Film: Charles Melton (“May December”)
Actor in TV: Steven Yeun (“BEEF”)
Breakout in TV: Young Mazino (“BEEF”)
Breakout in Film: Greta Lee (“Past Lives”)
Lexus Legacy Award: Bruce Lee, accepted by his daughter Shannon Lee
Vanguard Award: The cast of “Never Have I Ever”
Director Award: Adele Lim (“Joy Ride”)
Writer Award: Sung Jin Lee (“BEEF”)
Digital Influencer Award: Steven Lim (Watcher Entertainment)
Global Groundbreaker for One Asia: Mackenyu
Global Breakout for One Asia: Byeong Kyu Cho
Pechanga Athlete on Another Level: Alison Lee
As usual, attendees showed up to walk the red carpet in beautiful gowns, suits, and traditional wear. In addition to noting our picks for top outfits, this edition highlights best moments on the red carpet from friendly reunions to family time.
Best Dressed with Cultural Flair:
Lucia Liu — Showing off her model physique, Lucia Liu put together a beautifully modern homage to the upcoming Lunar New Year. As 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, her gown for the evening was sleek black with golden dragon accents, and her look was completed with golden dragon earrings to match.
Iam Tongi — American Idol season 21 winner Iam Tongi was one of the performers for this year’s Unforgettable Gala. Showing off Pacific Islander roots, the singer stepped out on the red carpet in traditional attire that immediately caught everyone’s eye.
Best Dressed in Classic Formal Attire:
Kiawentiio — Kanie’kehaka/Mohawk actress Kiawentiio made her first appearance at this year’s Unforgettable Gala as well. Her black dress was formal yet playful, and contrasted beautifully with the red carpet.
Mackenyu — Attending his first ever Unforgettable Gala as one of the first ever global award recipients, Mackenyu would have stood out on the red carpet no matter what. His simple all white suit, however, helped him shine even brighter.
Friends Forever:
Kelly Hu and Tia Carrere — Kelly Hu and Tia Carrere are both notable actresses in their own right. However, when the two Hawaiian actresses were giggling and running across the red carpet to have a chance to snag some duo photos, the pair simply become even more iconic together.
Simu Liu and Benedict Wong — Despite nursing an injury that resulted in Simu Liu needing to lean on his girlfriend while making his first round through the red carpet, nothing could stop him from rushing over to greet his Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings co-star, Benedict Wong. The two immediately gave each other a warm embrace, staying that way for quite awhile as Wong jokingly shooed away the watching crowd.
Family Time:
Shannon Lee and Wren Keasler — With the late Bruce Lee receiving the Lexus Legacy Award this year, his daughter Shannon Lee was in attendance along with her daughter, Wren Keasler. The two were all smiles as they walked the red carpet in matching black velvet dresses.
Lisa Ling — As one of the keynote speakers for this year’s gala, American journalist and TV personality Lisa Ling brought a special plus one, her daughter, along for the red carpet this year. The two walked the carpet together, and even when Lisa stopped for a few individual photos, her young daughter’s twinkling eyes never once stopped admiring her inspirational mother.
Click on the photo below to view our photos from the event:
