Daniel Dae Kim, recently the first Asian actor nominated for a Tony in the Best Leading Actor in a Play category (Yellow Face), paid tribute to Bruce Lee in the late martial artist’s iconic yellow-and-black jumpsuit from Game of Death (1978).

Chrissy Teigen made her Gold Gala debut in a radiant gold Oscar de la Renta gown, arriving with husband John Legend. Sandra Oh exuded sophistication in Kallmeyer, Brenda Song also chose Oscar de la Renta, and Joel Kim Booster wore an embroidered, all-white Ian Alexander Studio ensemble adorned with flowers and pearls. “I wanted to be a little luminescent,” Booster said. “I love anything with texture.”

Festivities began with cocktails at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion—once home to the Oscars—before guests were led into the venue’s expansive courtyard for a Filipino-inspired alfresco dinner. The evening honored key figures such as Megan Thee Stallion, recognized for her musical collaborations supporting AAPI culture; director Ang Lee, whose Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon marks its 25th anniversary this year; and Wicked director and Gold House co-founder Jon M. Chu.

“It’s emotional to be here tonight,” Chu said from the gold arrivals carpet. “We’re not just guests at the table anymore—we’re owning the space. I wasn’t sure this moment would come, but to see it manifest? It’s the most beautiful thing.”

Sandra Oh, whose Emmy-winning career spans over three decades, reflected on how far the community has come. “Back then, it was very lonely when we didn’t have each other,” she told Vogue. “You’d be sitting alone in your apartment in West Hollywood, trying to survive in a system that didn’t want you. This gala, and this gathering point—it’s vital. It reminds us we’re not alone.”

Kaling, who recently became the first South Asian woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spoke about her evolution from aspiring comedy writer to showrunner and employer. “The biggest challenge was switching my mindset,” she said. “I was so scared of being fired in my 20s. Now, I’m responsible for hundreds of people across my productions, and making sure they reflect the world we live in.”

The night concluded with a lively after-party that raged past midnight. Thapthimthong emerged as the unofficial MVP, making the rounds, hitting the dance floor, and even coaxing Prabal Gurung and Lisa Ling into a spontaneous dance break. Later, he joined Anderson .Paak for a gleeful round of karaoke.

“My life these past few months has been a dream,” he said earlier that evening. “I come from a military background—I’ve always been in the shadows. To be recognized for something I love doing, it’s surreal.”

Another pinch-me moment? Coachella. “Kate Hudson and Cara Delevingne came up to me and said they were fans,” Thapthimthong recalled, laughing. “I nearly fainted. I asked for a photo—it was such a beautiful experience.”