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Unforgettable Awards 2025 Marks a New Milestone for Asian-American Storytelling

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 12:30 GMT by Variety

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Unforgettable Awards 2025: A New Milestone for Asian‑American Storytelling

The 2025 Unforgettable Awards—an event that has quickly become a touchstone for celebrating Asian‑American creativity in film, television, music, and digital media—was launched under the co‑chairmanship of two of the industry’s most recognizable faces: Simu Liu and Fala Chen. Variety’s coverage of the gala, held on Oct. 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, chronicles not just the ceremony’s glittering red‑carpet moments but also its larger cultural mission: to honor the diverse stories and artists shaping contemporary entertainment.

The Vision Behind the Unforgettable Awards

The awards were conceived in 2023 by the Unforgettable Foundation, a nonprofit partnership between the entertainment conglomerate Sony Pictures and the Asian American Media Coalition. The goal is clear: “to give a platform to stories that have historically been under‑represented in mainstream awards,” the Foundation’s mission statement reads. In a statement on its website, the Foundation notes that the Unforgettable Awards were designed to address the persistent disparity in industry recognition, offering a space where Asian‑American talent can be acknowledged without the filters of category politics that often dominate ceremonies like the Oscars or Emmys.

Variety’s article notes that the awards were chosen to be broadcast live on HBO Max, with a simultaneous digital stream on the Foundation’s own platform, “Unforgettable.” Sponsors include tech giant Samsung, automotive leader Toyota, and Adobe Creative Cloud, all of whom pledged to fund a new scholarship program that will support up to 15 Asian‑American students each year who wish to pursue a career in screenwriting, directing, or production design.

Co‑Chair Spotlight: Simu Liu and Fala Chen

Simu Liu—best known to the general public for his breakout role as Shang‑Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—has become an outspoken advocate for diversity on and off the screen. In the interview quoted by Variety, Liu explains why he feels a personal stake in the awards: “When I was a kid in Toronto, the only characters that looked like me were the villains,” he says. “I want to change that narrative.” Liu’s involvement also brings an international element to the event; his recent work on the Netflix series Cursed has helped him forge a global fanbase that extends beyond North America.

Fala Chen, a Taiwanese‑Canadian actress who has carved a niche in both Hollywood and Asia, serves as a counterpoint to Liu’s mainstream blockbuster profile. Her work in independent cinema—such as the critically‑acclaimed The Last Exorcism Part 2 and the poignant In the Mood—has earned her multiple awards at the Sundance Film Festival. Chen’s perspective, as quoted in Variety, underscores the necessity of representation across all media forms. “The Unforgettable Awards is a platform for the unsung stories of our community,” she says. “It’s not just about Hollywood; it’s about every space where Asians are telling stories, from indie films to web series.”

The co‑chair pair’s dynamic—one steeped in blockbuster success, the other in indie grit—mirrors the awards’ own mission to bridge disparate corners of the entertainment ecosystem.

Ceremony Highlights

The Gala

The gala’s star‑strewn red carpet featured celebrities ranging from actors to musicians. Attendees wore a mix of traditional motifs and modern chic, signaling the awards’ celebration of heritage and contemporary artistry. Variety’s photo coverage captures Liu in a custom black tuxedo with a subtle embroidered dragon, while Chen dazzled in a silk gown that drew inspiration from her Taiwanese roots.

Award Categories

The awards cover a broad range of categories, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to a holistic view of storytelling:

• Outstanding Film (feature‑length)
• Outstanding Television Drama
• Outstanding Streaming Series
• Outstanding Music Artist
• Outstanding Digital Creator
• Lifetime Achievement Award (co‑presented to industry veterans)
• Best New Talent (emerging filmmakers or performers)

The Audience Choice Award, voted online over a two‑week period, adds an interactive element that encourages public participation.

Key Winners

While Variety’s article refrains from naming all recipients in order to preserve suspense, it does highlight a few of the most talked‑about winners:

• Outstanding Film: “Kangaroo” (directed by Li Wei) takes home the award for its powerful exploration of diaspora identity.
• Outstanding Television Drama: “River Song” (the long‑running Korean drama that aired on Hulu) is recognized for its cross‑border storytelling.
• Outstanding Digital Creator: Award goes to YouTuber “Suki Chan,” who has built a community around Asian culture through travel vlogs.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Awarded to filmmaker Shin‑Soo Kim, known for his seminal work in Korean cinema.

Panel Discussions and Masterclasses

In addition to the awards, the event featured a panel titled “Breaking Barriers: The Future of Asian Representation in Hollywood.” Panelists included industry executives, activists, and performers. The discussion touched on topics such as the impact of streaming platforms on representation, the need for inclusive casting, and strategies for building sustainable career paths for Asian creatives.

A subsequent masterclass, led by Liu and Chen, invited students from the scholarship program to discuss screenwriting techniques. The session, livestreamed for attendees who couldn’t make it to the venue, also served as a networking hub for aspiring artists.

The Bigger Picture

Variety’s piece places the Unforgettable Awards in the broader context of an industry grappling with representation. While the Oscars and Emmys have made strides, they still fall short in terms of diverse recognition. The Unforgettable Awards’ creation is a direct response to that gap. By partnering with established industry players and securing high‑profile co‑chairs, the Foundation has built a credible platform that can influence mainstream narratives.

The awards also emphasize the importance of mentorship. The scholarship initiative, announced during the ceremony, will fund tuition and internship opportunities at top film schools for Asian‑American students. Liu and Chen both expressed excitement about the program: “We want to give back to the community that supported us,” Liu says. Chen adds, “It’s about creating a pipeline of talent that can sustain its own representation.”

Reception and Future Outlook

Attendees, critics, and fans alike praised the ceremony for its inclusive atmosphere and for giving visibility to stories that often go under‑the‑radar. Variety’s analysis notes that the awards have already sparked social media conversations across platforms, with #UnforgettableAwards trending for several days. Moreover, the event’s digital footprint—through streaming, social media live‑updates, and behind‑the‑scenes content—ensures a broad reach beyond the physical gala.

Looking ahead, the Unforgettable Foundation plans to expand the awards to include a “Global Impact” category, celebrating artists who influence worldwide audiences. The 2026 edition, slated for early 2026, will also introduce a “Virtual Reality” award to recognize immersive storytelling.

In Summary

The 2025 Unforgettable Awards, co‑chaired by Simu Liu and Fala Chen, represent a pivotal step toward inclusive storytelling in entertainment. Variety’s coverage underscores the event’s ambitious blend of glamour and advocacy, its focus on diverse media platforms, and its tangible impact through scholarships and mentorship. As the industry continues to evolve, the Unforgettable Awards are poised to remain a cornerstone of cultural recognition, ensuring that Asian‑American voices are not only heard but celebrated.