The Gold Gala 2024 unfolded for a magical night on May 1, 2024, at the historic Music Center in Los Angeles for its third consecutive year. This prestigious event paid tribute to Gold House's annual A100 List, spotlighting a diverse array of influential Asian Pacific creatives and leaders spanning entertainment, fashion, technology, and more.
Drawing over 600 esteemed guests to the elegant black-tie affair, the evening celebrated the remarkable achievements of the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture and society over the past year.
Who is Gold House?
At the heart of it all is Gold House, a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a "cultural ecosystem that unites, invests in, and champions Asian Pacific Leaders to power tomorrow for all." Through a family of companies including networks, investment funds, programs, and platforms, they tirelessly pursue socioeconomic equity, believing in the strength of community support and solidarity. Undoubtedly, barriers persist across various industries, particularly in Hollywood, where Asians have long been underrepresented and stereotyped. Yet, Gold House remains devoted to its pursuit of change, serving as a vital catalyst in forging a more inclusive and empowered tomorrow for all.
Gala Theme
The Gala's theme, "A Gold New World, a tomorrow for all, built by all," is envisioned by the award-winning fashion designer Prabal Gurung. A-list celebrities graced the event, donning their finest attire, ready to dazzle on the golden carpet. The theme sets the stage for a unique atmosphere, allowing guests to convey their identities through fashion, a hallmark of the Met Gala experience.
A100 Hounourable Mentions
The Gold Legend Award was honoured by Lucy Liu, sharing in her acceptance speech the profound impact of the industry's challenges causing it to feel lonely. However, she joyfully highlighted the newfound ability for everyone to come together and celebrate the community without any boundaries holding them back.
The evening also saw many other notable honorees, including the cast and creators of the hit Netflix series "Beef," who were awarded the prestigious Gold Icon Honor for their groundbreaking portrayal of the Asian American experience. Additionally, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo was recognized with the esteemed Gold Ally Honor for her outstanding contribution on and off camera. Among the star-studded crowd were notable figures such as Renee Rapp, Michelle Yeoh, Halsey, Jay Shetty, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and many more notable AAPI personalities.
The Event
The sunset over the indoor-outdoor venue, casting a warm glow over guests as they indulged in a three-course meal inspired by the flavours of South India. Padma Lakshmi not only curated the menu but also was honoured with the first Gold Legend Award. The evening was filled with cheers and happy tears as they celebrated the AAPI community.
Wrapping up the event was a sensational performance by none other than the 2023 A100 honoree, Saweetie. Not only did she captivate the audience with her electrifying stage presence, but she also made history by receiving the inaugural Billboard Gold Music Honor, recognizing her groundbreaking achievements in the music scene. Saweetie treated fans to a medley of her hit singles, culminating in the debut live rendition of her latest track, "Nani."
But the celebrations didn't end there; the night continued at the Billboard x Gold House Founders Party, where guests were treated to a special performance by producer/DJ Steven Aoki and RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 winner, Nymphia Wind.
Truly, a night to remember, a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collective vision. We continue to see diversification among all industries.
