Beverly Hills played host to a celebration of Asian excellence in entertainment on Wednesday, as UTA and Gold House co-hosted an intimate dinner to honor AAPI nominees during awards season. The event, held at the 88 Club, brought together a diverse group of stars, industry leaders, and creatives, marking a significant moment for representation within Hollywood.
The Hollywood Reporter served as the media sponsor for the “Celebration of Asian Excellence in Entertainment,” which featured attendees including KPop Demon Hunters creator Maggie Kang, Lee Byung-hun of No Other Choice, Twinless director James Sweeney, Anderson .Paak, Daniel Dae Kim, Randall Park, and former Academy president Janet Yang. The gathering underscored a growing recognition of AAPI talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.
UTA partner David Park, in his 30th year with the agency, reflected on the evolution of the industry, noting the stark contrast between the current landscape and his early days in Hollywood. “This night has been so amazing already because when I first started in Hollywood at my agency, there was no one else that looked like anybody in this room, especially including myself, in the business really,” Park shared with the group. He expressed his astonishment at the progress made, stating, “To think that there could be a night like tonight where we’re really celebrating this unbelievable group of Asian excellence — and we could build this room three times over based on people that just live in L.A. Versus anywhere else — it’s mind-boggling to me.”
Park, who also represents Maggie Kang, described the evening as “a dream come true,” emphasizing the importance of community. “Please enjoy each other’s company. Please enjoy each other’s community — especially over the past couple of months and everything else, community is so important to us. If we’re not here for each other, who are we here for?” he said.
Bing Chen, co-founder and CEO of Gold House, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of being recognized by one’s own community. “This room is deliberately intimate because as we all know, it’s one thing to be lauded by your peers, it’s another to be lauded by your people, but it’s yet another be lauded by those who are both at once — and after you get your statues, you have to come home at some point, and so this room hopefully feels like home and family dinner,” Chen remarked.
Chen also acknowledged the broader challenges facing the entertainment industry, referencing media consolidation and the rapid advancement of technology. He pointed to similar periods of uncertainty in the past, such as 2008, and emphasized the importance of building strong networks and supporting one another. “The best way to build is with each other, whether it’s our community, our industry, our neighborhoods and so forth,” he stated, drawing parallels to the emergence of the Marvel franchise, the career of Ryan Coogler, and the growing global popularity of South Korean content as examples of successful collaborative efforts.
Guests enjoyed a four-course meal and posed for photos with custom-designed red cowboy hats courtesy of Stetson, inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse. Additional attendees included UTA’s Keya Khayatian, Paul Yoo, Caroline Yim, and Michelle Kim, rapper Jonathan “Dumbfoundead” Park, filmmakers Alex Ullom and Alex Woo, Academy Museum president Amy Homma, and Hybe America’s Nisha Ganatra and James Shin.
The event arrives at a time of increasing focus on diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. Gold House, in particular, has been instrumental in advocating for greater AAPI representation, most notably through its annual A100 list, which recognizes the 100 most impactful Asians in North America. The organization’s work, combined with initiatives from agencies like UTA, signals a continued commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive Hollywood.
The celebration wasn’t simply a moment of recognition, but a call to action. The shared experiences and reflections of those in attendance underscored the need for continued collaboration and support within the AAPI community, particularly as the industry navigates ongoing challenges, and transformations. The evening served as a powerful reminder that building a more inclusive future requires not only individual success but also a collective commitment to lifting each other up.
