The Unforgettable Awards once again convened some of the most influential voices in entertainment and culture, celebrating the creativity and impact of Asian Pacific Islander artists across film, television, and beyond. This year’s ceremony placed a special spotlight on acclaimed filmmaker Chloé Zhao, who was honored as the Global Icon at the 23rd Annual Unforgettable Awards in Los Angeles, with the Global Icon Award presented in partnership with The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).
Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza, the annual event has become the longest-running and most recognized celebration of Asian Pacific Islander excellence in entertainment. Now in its 23rd year, the Unforgettable Awards gathers leading artists, filmmakers, and industry executives to recognize the voices shaping the future of global storytelling.
Image Courtesy: John Salangsang
Her Academy Award–winning film Nomadland, which made her the first woman of color in history to win Best Director, redefined the modern American road story. With Marvel’s Eternals, she brought a lyrical, humanistic sensibility to blockbuster filmmaking. Most recently, Zhao continues to expand her creative reach with projects such as Hamnet, reaffirming her place among the most distinctive directors of her generation.
A Visionary Voice in Cinema
Zhao’s recognition as Global Icon reflects not only her remarkable body of work, but her profound influence on contemporary filmmaking. Known for blending intimate storytelling with sweeping natural landscapes, Zhao has developed a cinematic language that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Across her work, Zhao consistently centers stories of outsiders and overlooked communities, offering a deeply human perspective that has reshaped how global audiences experience both American landscapes and the people within them.
Celebrating Community and Representation
Produced by Character Media in collaboration with GoldenTV, the Unforgettable Awards continues to serve as a platform for elevating Asian Pacific Islander voices across entertainment and culture.
The Global Icon Award’s partnership with the Asian American Foundation (TAAF) reflects a shared commitment to advancing opportunity, visibility, and cultural recognition for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the United States. Through initiatives spanning education, storytelling, and social impact, TAAF continues to champion voices that shape the broader cultural narrative.
In honoring Zhao, the evening not only celebrated an extraordinary filmmaker, but also reflected the growing momentum of Asian Pacific Islander creatives redefining the global entertainment landscape.
A Night of Unforgettable Honors
Zhao was joined by an impressive group of honorees recognized for their achievements across film and television, including Bowen Yang and Daniel Dae Kim.
Together, this year’s honorees reflect the diversity, range, and cultural impact of a creative community whose influence continues to expand across Hollywood and the global media industry.
When to Watch
For audiences who could not attend, the 2026 Unforgettable Awards is now available on demand on the GoldenTV app.
As the broadcast brings the evening’s tributes and performances to viewers nationwide, Zhao’s recognition as Global Icon stands as a powerful reminder of storytelling’s ability to transcend borders and reshape culture.
In honoring Chloé Zhao, the Unforgettable Awards celebrates not only a filmmaker at the height of her craft, but a generation of voices redefining the future of global cinema.
