Simu Liu has been announced as the host of the 21st Unforgettable Gala (UNFO), the annual awards show honoring the entertainment industry’s Asian Pacific Islander community. The “Barbie” and “Shang Chi” star returns as emcee after serving in the role in 2019.
The Unforgettable Gala, which will take place Dec. 16 at the Beverly Hilton, spotlights API excellence and representation across entertainment, arts and culture. The black-tie gala will feature a performance from the band Common Kings and a Broadway musical medley celebrating API Tony award winners performed by Broadway actors Jennifer Paz, Deedee Magno Hall and Joan Almedilla, and arranged by music director Troy Laureta.
“Unforgettable is one of my favorite events of the year, and I’m excited to return to emcee and celebrate with all the incredible talent in the room,” said Liu. “Despite a challenging year for the entertainment industry, Asian creatives in Hollywood are more resilient than ever, and we’ll continue to push forward for more representation.”
Young Mazino, featured in Netflix’s “Beef,” will receive the Breakout in TV award. Greta Lee, star of the A24 drama “Past Lives,” will be the Breakout in Film honoree. This year’s Actor in Film award will go to Charles Melton (“May December”). Bruce Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee will accept the Lexus Legacy Award on behalf of her late father, honored at the 50th anniversary of his death. Additionally, the cast of Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” will receive the Vanguard Award. Adele Lim will accept the Director Award for her film “Joy Ride” and Sung Jin Lee will take home the Writer Award for “Beef.” Finally, Buzzfeed’s Steven Lim will receive the Digital Influencer Award and actor Mackenyu will receive the Global Groundbreaker award.
Destin Daniel Cretton and Lisa Ling, co-chairs of the UNFO awards selection committee, will deliver this year’s keynote addresses. Other members of the selection committee include Apl.de.Ap, Bing Chen, Sujata Day, Ken Jeong, Jeremy Lin and Janet Yang, among many other figures in the entertainment industry.
James Ryu founded the Unforgettable Gala in 2002. He said of this year’s event, “I’m incredibly proud of the resilience of both the Hollywood industry as well as the entire Unforgettable Gala team for getting us to this moment. Despite dealing with the strikes and so much economic uncertainty this past year, we were able to push through these trials and make it to this year-end celebration – and on the original date that we set at the beginning of the year. It is such a testament to everyone’s dedication and commitment to our community, and it’s a blessing that we can’t take for granted.”
UNFO will expand globally for the first time in the event’s 21-year history and will broadcast nationwide as a live-to-tape special on the ChimeTV cable network.
