The 2026 Gold Gala: A Dazzling Display of Asian and Pacific Excellence Illuminates Los Angeles
On May 9, the 2026 Gold Gala once again transformed Los Angeles into a vibrant celebration of Asian and Pacific excellence, drawing together a constellation of actors, musicians, athletes, creators, and industry leaders for one of the year’s most anticipated cultural events. The prestigious affair, held at the Music Center, served as a powerful platform to honor the achievements and burgeoning influence of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities within the global entertainment and creative industries. The iconic gold carpet, a hallmark of the event, was a spectacle of sartorial splendor, with attendees showcasing a breathtaking array of fashion. From the meticulously tailored haute couture and avant-garde sculptural designs to the incorporation of rich heritage-inspired details and dramatic silhouettes, this year’s guests arrived ready to make a definitive statement, embodying both timeless glamour and bold fashion innovation.
Established as a cornerstone event by Gold House, an organization dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific leaders and creators, the Gold Gala has rapidly evolved from its inception into a significant cultural moment. Its primary mission is to foster community, provide mentorship, and amplify the voices of AANHPI individuals across various sectors. The gala’s growing prominence is underscored by the increasing number of high-profile attendees and the significant media attention it garners, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards greater recognition and celebration of diverse talents. This year’s event, in particular, marked a significant milestone, with an expanded roster of honorees and a palpable sense of collective pride and forward momentum within the AANHPI community. The gala’s timing, nestled in the heart of spring, offered a refreshing departure from the more traditional awards season calendar, allowing for a unique focus on cultural impact and artistic expression.
A Tapestry of Style: Best Dressed Stars Shine on the Gold Carpet
The sartorial landscape of the 2026 Gold Gala was a testament to the diverse and evolving aesthetics within the AANHPI community. Each attendee brought their unique vision to the gold carpet, creating a visually stunning narrative of personal style and cultural pride.
Supriya Ganesh: A Fusion of Indian Craftsmanship and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the hit HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance, transitioning from the demanding world of medical dramas to the glamour of the Gold Gala. Ganesh adorned herself in a breathtaking strapless gown by Naeem Khan, a designer renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and ability to blend Eastern influences with Western silhouettes. The gown featured ethereal layers of tulle and raffia, a deliberate and elegant nod to traditional Indian raffia artistry. The design further captivated with its audacious poppy flower motifs, which elegantly twisted and unfurled down the skirt, drawing a clear inspiration from the vibrant and iconic works of Andy Warhol. To complement the airy, billowy form of the dress, Ganesh opted for delicate pieces of Shaneli jewelry and sophisticated Alevi heels, creating a harmonious and show-stopping ensemble. Her choice underscored a thoughtful fusion of heritage artistry with contemporary fashion sensibilities, making her a standout on the carpet.
Anthony Keyvan: Understated Elegance with a Modern Edge
Actor Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular Netflix series XO, Kitty, graced the gold carpet, reuniting with some of his former castmates. Keyvan’s look was masterfully curated by the styling duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, who opted for a sophisticated and minimalist approach. He wore a textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers, presenting a contemporary take on classic menswear. His grooming was equally refined; his hair was neatly gelled back, and his makeup was kept clean and luminous, embodying a "glass skin" aesthetic that perfectly complemented the understated elegance of his attire. The success of his polished appearance was further attributed to his groomer, Colleen Dominique, who highlighted the essential role of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris in achieving the flawless finish. Keyvan’s ensemble demonstrated that true style often lies in subtle details and impeccable execution.
Eileen Gu: A Confection of Princess-Like Charm
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu brought a touch of fairytale magic to the gold carpet in a breathtaking confectionary pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The gown’s soft, delicate color palette and voluminous layers of tulle created a silhouette that was both light and exquisitely feminine, evoking the charm of a classic princess ballgown. A unique design element, featuring shorter layers in the front of the skirt, not only added a distinctive visual interest but also artfully elongated her already statuesque figure. Gu’s choice was a masterclass in sophisticated romance, proving that bold athletic achievements can be beautifully complemented by equally graceful and ethereal fashion.
Anna Cathcart: Bold Contrast and Playful Sophistication
Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO, Kitty franchise, made a memorable appearance in a striking figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress presented a daring yet elegant contrast, featuring ruffled blush pink fabric that artfully flared at her hips, reminiscent of a chic peplum skirt. Her hair, styled in soft, romantic curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, framed her face beautifully. Makeup artist Kendal Fedail enhanced Cathcart’s youthful radiance with a soft, rosy complexion, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye liner. This choice of makeup beautifully accentuated her naturally round eyes and harmonized perfectly with the playful sophistication of her gown, creating a cohesive and captivating look.
Manny Jacinto: Classic Dapper with a Luxurious Touch
Actor Manny Jacinto exuded timeless dapper charm on the gold carpet, opting for a sophisticated ensemble that highlighted his refined style. He wore a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, expertly paired with classic black dress pants, both designed by Nicolas Bijan. His styling team, including Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, meticulously curated his look, adding a sleek black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch that accentuated his sharp features and dark hair. Jacinto’s participation in the Gold Gala extended beyond fashion; in a candid interview, he shared his perspective on the event’s broader significance. He remarked, "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," underscoring the gala’s role not only in celebrating AANHPI excellence but also as a valuable opportunity for professional and personal connection within the industry.
Liza Soberano: Architectural Heritage in Motion
Filipino actress Liza Soberano captivated the audience with a truly unique and architectural gown by Phan Huy, from his Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The dress featured a base of delicate beige organza, serving as a canvas for the striking embroidered bamboo fans that adorned the bust, waist, hips, and cascaded down the gown’s train. The ribbed structures integrated into the skirt, inspired by the delicate ribs of traditional bamboo fans, were ingeniously executed using a combination of artisanal boning techniques. This masterful blend of fashion and heritage not only showcased Soberano’s personal style but also served as a powerful tribute to her cultural roots, demonstrating how fashion can be a profound vehicle for storytelling and cultural preservation.
no na: A Unified Vision of Modern Heritage
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na presented a cohesive yet individualistic fashion statement, utilizing wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles, to embody a theme of modern heritage. Each member’s ensemble was a carefully considered piece of wearable art. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a chic gold tube top paired with a batik fabric tied artfully at the waist, accessorized with an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya embraced contemporary fashion with a sequined sheer corseted gown, elegantly draped with a woven Tapis Lampung over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena commanded attention in an architectural top, reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, complemented by a Songket shawl and her hair pulled back in a sleek, modern bun. Baila Fauri chose a sparkling nude gown, luxuriously paired with a vibrant red Palembang Songket, completing their unified yet distinctively individualistic presentation. Their collective look was a powerful testament to the enduring beauty and adaptability of Indonesian cultural textiles in a modern context.
EJAE: Korean Lacquerware Inspiration in Couture
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made a memorable Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a sophisticated basque waist that flowed into a floor-length, structural, and voluminous skirt. A closer inspection revealed the intricate mosaic peony designs, meticulously crafted from over a thousand delicately cut mother-of-pearl pieces. This breathtaking detail was directly inspired by traditional Korean lacquerware (Najeonchilgi), a technique celebrated for its exquisite inlay work. The gown served as a stunning celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage, translated through the medium of high couture. To complement the gown’s mother-of-pearl accents, she chose pearl earrings and styled her hair in a sleek high ponytail that transitioned into two long braids, creating a look that was both regal and deeply personal.
Maia Kealoha: Polynesian Weaving and Cinematic Achievement
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, attended her first Gold Gala in a stunning creation by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown masterfully incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, into the design of the dress’s bodice. Recognizing Lauhala’s symbolism of unity and family heritage, Kealoha articulated the dress’s significance, stating it was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." She complemented the halter neckline by wearing her hair in a high ponytail, showcasing her facial features and the elegant design of the dress. Her look was further enhanced by dangling pink orchid earrings, a perfect celebration of her heritage. Kealoha’s presence at the gala also marked a significant milestone as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion, underscoring her remarkable achievements at a young age.
H.E.R.: Bold Florals and Audacious Texture
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a show-stopping gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The petal-textured gown featured a nude tulle base adorned with thousands of individually placed, gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These were artfully arranged to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the ensemble with a sense of dynamic movement and bold texture. The illusion of motion and depth in her attire served as a powerful visual metaphor for the boldness and artistic depth found in H.E.R.’s music, making her a true standout on the gold carpet.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Contrast in Rahul Mishra
Actor Avan Jogia arrived on the gold carpet alongside singer-songwriter Halsey, both adorned in exquisite creations by Rahul Mishra. Jogia presented a sleek and formal aesthetic in an intricately embroidered black "Himadri" Sherwani jacket, accented with multiple statement necklaces. While his color palette remained predominantly black, the detailed beaded embroidery added a rich layer of texture and visual interest to his look. In striking contrast, Halsey captivated in the archival "Serpent" gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The gown’s plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated Halsey’s natural features, drawing the eye towards her braided updo and the subtle yet impactful green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Her makeup, characterized by a dewy glow and dark-lined lips, featured a bold stroke of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a deliberate detail that tied together the green accents and harmonized perfectly with her overall golden ensemble. Their coordinated yet contrasting looks highlighted the versatility and artistry of Mishra’s designs.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Elegance and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, a multifaceted talent known as a co-founder of The Try Guys, a filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, presented a look that challenged traditional gender norms with sophisticated elegance. Yang wore a striking black strapless corset by QUEERA, paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created a captivating sense of androgyny, blurring the lines between traditional masculine and feminine silhouettes. Continuing the thematic richness of the Gold Gala, Yang accessorized with a stunning lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
Esther Yu: A Golden Masterpiece of Tang Dynasty Embroidery
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme with unreserved opulence, wearing a magnificent strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was a testament to intricate craftsmanship, embroidered with traditional Panjin, a three-dimensional embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty. This meticulous technique involves laying and couching gold or silver wire to form intricate traditional patterns and symbols. Trailing behind the dress was a dramatic black tulle and feathered train, evoking the majestic, feathered tail of a phoenix. Yu further accessorized her look with a golden hair accessory placed on her left side, balanced by a single, striking triangular earring on her right during interviews. She shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny, hinting at her own evolving narrative in the entertainment industry.
The Broader Impact and Future of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala not only served as a dazzling display of fashion and talent but also reinforced its critical role in advocating for AANHPI representation and empowerment. The event’s continued success and growing influence signal a significant shift in Hollywood and the broader cultural landscape. By providing a dedicated platform for AANHPI voices, the gala fosters a sense of community, facilitates invaluable networking opportunities, and inspires future generations of creators. As the industry increasingly recognizes the importance of diverse storytelling and authentic representation, the Gold Gala stands as a beacon, illuminating the path forward and celebrating the rich tapestry of Asian and Pacific excellence. The event’s focus on heritage, innovation, and community building ensures its continued relevance and impact in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic cultural future. The success of this year’s gala suggests an even greater expansion of its reach and influence in the years to come, solidifying its position as a pivotal event in the celebration of AANHPI contributions.
