Unforgettable Awards 2026
The renowned Unforgettable Awards, a prestigious annual event dedicated to honoring achievements within the Asian and Pacific Islander community in the entertainment sector, has unveiled its list of honorees for the 2026 ceremony. Celebrating its 23rd year, this year’s gala promises to be a night of inspiration and recognition.
Scheduled for March 7, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony will showcase significant contributions from artists and innovators in film, television, and culture. It will be broadcast as a special presentation on GoldenTV on March 13, allowing fans worldwide to join in the celebration.
The theme for 2026,
Passion, embodies the spirit and dedication of the Asian Pacific storytellers and leaders who continually reshape narratives within the industry. This year’s honorees include:
- - Bowen Yang for his role in The Wedding Banquet (Actor in Film)
- - Chloé Zhao, known for her works like Nomadland and Eternals, receiving the Global Icon Award
- - Daniel Dae Kim for his performance in Butterfly (Actor in Television)
- - Jet Tila being honored for Culinary Excellence in Media
- - K-Pop Demon Hunters, a Netflix production, awarded the Vanguard Award
- - Lawrence Shou, recognized for his breakout role in Rosemead
- - Leenda Dong, a significant Digital Influencer
- - Lloyd Lee Choi for his writing in Lucky Lu
- - Park Chan-wook for his direction in No Other Choice (Director)
- - Te Ao o Hinepehinga for Chief of War as Breakout in Television.
Takashi Cheng, the CEO of GoldenTV, shared insights on the honorees, stating, “This year's recipients exemplify the fiery passion fueling our community to share our unique stories and drive the industry forward.” With their work breaking barriers, they inspire audiences beyond the Asian demographic.
A careful selection committee has endorsed these honorees, comprising prominent figures in the entertainment realm, including co-chairs
Simu Liu and
Fala Chen along with other influential creatives and executives. Their impact has been crucial in promoting visibility and opportunities for API talent both in front of and behind the camera.
About the Unforgettable Awards
Initially founded in 2002, the Unforgettable Awards has positioned itself as a critical event in recognizing Asian and Pacific Islander excellence within the entertainment and cultural domains. Each year, it gathers a diverse group of industry leaders and artists to honor creativity, representation, and community impact.
Organizations Behind the Awards
GoldenTV, a cable and streaming platform based in Los Angeles, has taken the helm in presenting the Unforgettable Awards. They aim to provide a platform for authentic voices through their compelling storytelling that spans the global Asian diaspora. Meanwhile,
Character Media, a leading outlet celebrating API culture for over twenty years, continues to foster diversity across Hollywood through print and digital media, not to mention live events that spotlight various talents.
For more information about the Unforgettable Awards, visit
UnforgettableAwards.com. Stay updated on the latest in API entertainment news by following the Unforgettable Awards, GoldenTV, and Character Media on social media, using the hashtag
#UNFO.