4th Annual Gold House Gala celebrates Asian Pacific American stars, industry leaders, athletes and influencers
Share and Follow

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The Gold House Gala brings together Asian Pacific American stars, industry leaders, athletes and influencers to celebrate their excellence. The A-100, a list of ascending AAPI changemakers with the most impact on culture and society, walk the “gold” carpet.

Among the many honored at Saturday’s event was “Wicked” director John Chu.

“This is my family. We’ve known each other for so long. There’s so many people here, so to see it grow to this level is amazing,” Chu said.

The cast of “Moana 2,” led by Auli’i Kravalho, is being recognized for bringing Pacific Islander storytelling mainstream.

“I see more and more Pacific Islander talent every year that I attend, and it makes my heart so happy,” said Kravalho.

Judging who gets to be part of the distinguished A-100 list is no easy task.

“Every year you think you’re covering everybody, but it’s not the case. You find new outstanding people that deserve recognition,” said ABC7’s David Ono, who served as a Gold House judge.

The star-studded gold carpet included Mindy Kaling, director Andrew Ahn, singer HER, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Aryan Simhadri from Percy Jackson fame. Daniel Dae Kim honored martial arts film “Game of Death” and the 25th anniversary of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

“It’s an iconic movie, it follows in the footsteps of Bruce Lee,” said Kim.

But which A-lister is the Asian with the most persuasion?

“Oh good question… Poorna. Poorna, definitely Poorna,” said Asif Ali, who stars in the “Deli Boys.”

“John M. Chu, right, for us in entertainment, he’s someone behind the camera that is also living his dream,” actress and “Mandalorian” star Ming-Na Wen said

“Probably me,” said actor Utkarsh Ambudkar, who stars in the popular show “Ghosts.”

“Haha…I don’t know Mulan,” said Icelandic singer-songwriter and musician Laufey.

Laufey performed and was honored for breaking barriers with her unique style.

“The goal was always to find kind of like a common ground between lots of different generations,” said Laufey.

“Yah. That’s the Gold house mission. We can all get along and we’re better together,” said Ali.

When asked if they had any advice for anyone wanting to rise to the top, Ambudkar said: “Show up, be prepared, don’t quit, that’s it, and learn everyone’s name.”

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Surgeon ex in Ohio dentist murders job hopped across country, dodged lawsuits after divorce

Ohio Dentist Murders: Ex-Husband Arrested for Alleged Disguise and Deception Tactics, Experts Reveal

The former husband of an Ohio dentist’s wife, who now faces charges…
Indiana judge in bizarre Natalia Grace case shot in home attack as police hunt suspect

Indiana Judge Shot in Home: Police Search for Suspect Linked to Natalia Grace Case

An Indiana judge, known for his involvement in a high-profile case, was…
Stream It Or Skip It? 

Should You Hit Play or Pass? Your Ultimate Streaming Decision Guide

Twinless (now available for streaming on Hulu) is a captivating and thought-provoking…
Portland police release photos of suspect accused of shooting 2 officers

Portland Police Reveal Images of Suspect in Officer Shooting: Your Help Needed

In a tense development from Portland, Oregon, local law enforcement has released…
Illegal immigrant accused in DUI crash that killed college soccer player, girlfriend: report

Tragic DUI Crash Involving Undocumented Immigrant Claims Lives of College Soccer Star and Girlfriend

A tragedy unfolded in Rowan County, North Carolina, where a man is…
America accuses UK of 'letting us down' by giving away Chagos Islands

US Criticizes UK’s Decision to Surrender Chagos Islands: A Diplomatic Rift Unfolds

Keir Starmer is moving forward with plans to hand over the Chagos…
Dispatch records from Brown University shooting capture chaos of deadly campus attack

Brown University Welcomes Students Back as Concerns Arise Over Security Policies Following Mass Shooting

Brown University is set to commence a new semester on Wednesday, amid…
Air Force One returning to Joint Base Andrews in Washington area due to minor electrical issue, White House says

Air Force One Makes Unexpected Return to Joint Base Andrews: Minor Electrical Glitch Resolved, White House Reports

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s aircraft, Air Force One, made an unexpected…