The 2026 Gold Gala: A Dazzling Showcase of Asian and Pacific Excellence in Hollywood

On May 9, the prestigious Music Center in Los Angeles once again served as the glittering epicenter for the 2026 Gold Gala, a highly anticipated annual event dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements and cultural contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the entertainment industry and beyond. The evening brought together a constellation of stars from film, television, music, sports, and various creative fields, all converging on the iconic gold carpet to mark a significant moment in the cultural calendar. This year’s gala, like those preceding it, was a testament to the growing influence and visibility of the Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, providing a platform for recognition, networking, and the showcasing of groundbreaking talent. The gold carpet itself became a runway of sartorial innovation, with attendees embracing a diverse array of styles, from haute couture and avant-garde tailoring to pieces deeply rooted in heritage, each look meticulously crafted to make a powerful statement.

The Gold Gala, established by Gold House, a non-profit organization committed to uniting and empowering the AAPI community, has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone event since its inception. Its mission extends beyond mere celebration, aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable landscape for AAPI creatives and entrepreneurs. By bringing together influential figures, the gala facilitates dialogues and collaborations that propel the community forward. This year’s gathering was particularly significant, occurring against a backdrop of increasing global recognition for AAPI talent, evidenced by numerous recent accolades and box office successes. The event’s timing, just ahead of major industry awards seasons, often provides a preview of the cultural zeitgeist and the emerging stars poised to shape the future of entertainment.

A Tapestry of Style on the Gold Carpet

The fashion on display at the 2026 Gold Gala was as diverse and vibrant as the community it celebrated. Attendees presented a captivating spectrum of personal style, blending contemporary elegance with profound cultural resonance.

Supriya Ganesh, stepping away from her demanding role as Dr. Mohan on the hit HBO Max series The Pitt, captivated onlookers in a breathtaking strapless gown by Naeem Khan. The dress, a masterful creation of layered tulle and raffia, paid homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. Its design, infused with a playful nod to Andy Warhol’s iconic poppy motifs twisting down the skirt, was both whimsical and sophisticated. Complementing the ethereal silhouette, Ganesh adorned herself with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and elegant Alevi heels, creating a look that was both airy and grounded in artisanal artistry.

Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular Netflix series XO Kitty, reunited with fellow castmates on the gold carpet, radiating charm. Styled by the talented duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan sported a textured wrap blazer and tailored pants. His grooming was impeccable, with gelled-back hair and a clean, glassy makeup application that perfectly complemented the minimalist yet classic attire. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the efficacy of Caldera Lab for skincare, Armani Beauty for makeup, and Leonor Greyl Paris for hair products, highlighting a meticulous approach to achieving a polished and refined appearance.

Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu made a striking entrance in a confectionary pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The dress’s soft hue and voluminous layers of tulle lent it a princess-like, feminine charm. The innovative design featured shorter layers at the front, artfully elongating her silhouette and adding a unique, contemporary flair to the classic A-line style. Gu’s presence underscored the gala’s commitment to celebrating excellence across diverse fields, not solely within the entertainment industry.

Anna Cathcart, another standout from the XO Kitty ensemble, exuded sophisticated allure in a figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its ruffled blush pink fabric, artfully cascading from her hips like a peplum skirt. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, expertly applied by Kendal Fedail, focused on a youthful radiance. Rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye accentuated Cathcart’s features, harmonizing beautifully with the gown’s dramatic detailing.

Actor Manny Jacinto presented a vision of understated elegance in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket paired with classic black dress pants, a design by Nicolas Bijan. Under the expert styling of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was elevated by a sharp black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, accentuating his refined features and dark hair. In a candid interview, Jacinto shared that the Gold Gala offers more than just a chance to celebrate AANHPI excellence; it is a valuable opportunity to reconnect with industry peers. "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," he remarked, underscoring the event’s dual role as a professional networking hub and a source of communal inspiration.

Filipino actress Liza Soberano graced the gold carpet in a truly unique and structural gown from Phan Huy’s Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The dress, featuring a beige organza base, was adorned with intricately embroidered bamboo fans strategically placed on the bust, waist, hips, and train. The ribbed structures mimicking bamboo fan ribs were achieved through sophisticated boning techniques, a harmonious fusion of fashion and heritage. Soberano’s choice highlighted the growing trend of designers incorporating traditional motifs into contemporary haute couture.

The Indonesian girl group no na made a memorable appearance, showcasing coordinated yet distinct ensembles that artfully integrated wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This sartorial choice powerfully symbolized a theme of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a gold tube top with a batik fabric tied at the waist and an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya opted for a more contemporary look with a sequined sheer corseted gown, complemented by a woven tapis Lampung draped over her shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, paired with a songket shawl and a sleek bun. Baila Fauri donned a sparkling nude gown enhanced by a luxurious red Palembang songket. Their collective presentation underscored the rich diversity of textile traditions within the AAPI community.

GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a custom creation by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a striking basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, floor-length structural skirt. Up close, the dress revealed intricate mosaic peony designs crafted from approximately 1,000 meticulously cut mother-of-pearl pieces. Inspired by traditional Korean lacquerware (najeonchilgi), the gown was a profound celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage through the medium of couture. She complemented the look with pearl earrings and a sleek high ponytail with two long braids, mirroring the pearlescent motif of her gown.

Actress Maia Kealoha, known for her breakout role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch film, 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 bodice. She articulated that Lauhala, often symbolizing unity and family heritage, was a fitting choice for the Gold Gala, an event that convenes AANHPI leaders to strengthen community bonds. Her hair was styled in a high ponytail by Tanya Alian, showcasing her face and the halter neckline, while dangling pink orchid earrings completed her ensemble. Kealoha’s outfit was a poignant celebration of her heritage and her remarkable achievement as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion.

Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a breathtaking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The petal-textured gown featured a nude tulle base intricately adorned with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. Individually placed to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, the design evoked a sense of organic movement and bold artistry, mirroring the powerful essence of H.E.R.’s music.

Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a stylish duo, both adorned in designs by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded sophisticated charm in an embroidered ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket in black, accented by a collection of statement necklaces. His primarily black palette, leaning towards sleek formality, was elevated by the intricate beaded embroidery, lending a unique textural depth to his look. Halsey, in contrast, chose the archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated her features, drawing attention to her braided updo and the rich green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup featured a dewy finish with dark-lined lips, and a pop of green eyeliner on her lower waterline tied together the emerald accents, creating a cohesive and striking ensemble.

Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of the Try Guys, filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, presented an androgynous and avant-garde look. He wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. The monochromatic black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created an ambiguous silhouette that challenged traditional gendered fashion norms. Echoing the gala’s theme, Yang accessorized with a striking lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped leaves.

Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the gala’s namesake with a dazzling strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was meticulously embroidered with traditional Panjin, a three-dimensional embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty, where gold or silver wire is used to form intricate patterns. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, evoking the majestic imagery of a phoenix’s tail. Yu accessorized with a golden hair ornament on her left side, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, adding a touch of asymmetrical elegance. She shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny.

A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation

The 2026 Gold Gala was more than just a red carpet event; it was a powerful affirmation of the AAPI community’s growing influence and its multifaceted contributions to global culture. The meticulous attention to heritage evident in many of the attendees’ fashion choices—from Supriya Ganesh’s nod to Indian raffia craft and Liza Soberano’s incorporation of bamboo fan motifs to the no na group’s use of Indonesian textiles and Maia Kealoha’s Lauhala weave—demonstrated a conscious effort to honor and integrate cultural roots into contemporary expression. This trend reflects a broader movement within the AAPI community to reclaim and celebrate their narratives and artistry on a global stage.

The gala also served as a crucial networking and advocacy platform. As Manny Jacinto alluded to, the event fosters invaluable connections among industry professionals, potentially leading to future collaborations and opportunities. Gold House’s continued efforts to champion AAPI voices are vital in breaking down barriers and promoting authentic representation in media and beyond. The increasing visibility of AAPI talent, from the box office success of films like Lilo & Stitch to the critical acclaim of television series such as The Pitt and XO Kitty, signals a paradigm shift in Hollywood’s landscape.

The impact of the Gold Gala extends beyond the immediate glamour. By spotlighting successful individuals, it provides inspiration for the next generation of AAPI creatives, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and contribute their unique perspectives. The event’s emphasis on both individual achievement and collective community building reinforces the idea that solidarity and shared platforms are essential for sustained progress. As the industry continues to evolve, the Gold Gala stands as a beacon, illuminating the path forward for a more diverse, equitable, and vibrant future in entertainment and culture. The sartorial statements made on the gold carpet were not merely fashion choices but declarations of identity, pride, and a powerful presence on the world stage.