The Character Media Awards show, Unforgettable Gala returned after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic. It was not only a way to celebrate live and in-person events again, but also a time to celebrate being unapologetically Asian. Actress and comedian Sherry Cola from the series, Good Trouble hosted the show that recognized notable Asians in culture and media.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘ crew were recognized with the Vanguard Award which according to Deadline was once held by Lulu Wang’s The Farewell. Simu Liu who also won Breakout in Film, acknowledged those who have come before them in this fight for representation on screen. He mentioned Ken Jeong who helped him get his start to giving a shout out to Wong Fu Productions where many of us first saw Liu on-screen.

It really was a night for celebration that included a performance by AJ Rafael and Forbes' 30 Under 30 awardee Alyssa Navarro. They helped close out the show alongside the band Korean Soul and Oya Thomas. Can we add how good their looks were with a Baraong and matching Filipiniana dress.

The ceremony honored Sandra Oh, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Jimmy O. Yang and more. We have you covered, so check out the the full list of winners below!

Actor/Actress in TV
Sandra Oh – The Chair

Actor/Actress on Film
Justin Chon – Blue Bayou

Breakout Actor/Actress on Television
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan – Never Have I Ever

Breakout Actor/Actress on Film
Simu Liu – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Comic Performance
Jimmy O. Yang – Love Hard

Director
Destin Daniel Cretton – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Digital Influencer
Jason Y. Lee

Vanguard Award
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Lexus Legacy Award
John Cho

Changemaker Award
Sean Miyashiro – 88rising

Pechanga Athlete on Another Level
Shohei Ohtani

Community Impact
Andrew and Peggy Cherng

Cover Photo Credit: AJ Rafael Instagram