'Crazy Rich Asians,' Sandra Oh, John Cho to Be Honored at 2018 Unforgettable Gala

The longest-running Asian-American entertainment awards show will also salute Manny Jacinto and Tan France, among others.

With 2018 serving as a banner year for Asian-American representation in Hollywood, the 17th annual Unforgettable Gala promises to be its most celebratory and star-studded yet.

Billed as the longest-running awards show for Asian-Americans in entertainment, the event, hosted by Kore Asian Media, has this year created gender-neutral categories for its honorees. Sandra Oh, who this summer became the first Asian woman ever to receive an Emmy lead acting nomination, was a natural for the Actor in Television award for her star turn on BBC America's Killing Eve, while community favorite John Cho will be recognized in the Film category for commanding the screen (pun intended) as a father desperately looking for his missing daughter in the innovative thriller Searching.

Of course, special significance will be bestowed upon Crazy Rich Asians, not only the first Hollywood film in a quarter century to feature an all-westernized Asian cast but also the most successful romantic comedy of the decade. The cast, which collected Breakthrough Ensemble trophies at the Hollywood Film Awards on Sunday night, will be recognized in a category of its own, the Vanguard award, while Jon M. Chu will receive Director honors. Additionally, Manny Jacinto has been named Breakout in Television for his hilarious work as (spoiler alert) dopey Jacksonville DJ Jason Mendoza on NBC's The Good Place, while Queer Eye's Tan France is being honored as Changemaker.

"This annual gathering is a chance for our community to celebrate the success and progress we've made this year — in TV, film, culture, sports and beyond," Kore Asian Media publisher James Ryu said Monday in a statement. "We are thrilled to recognize the honorees and all the hard work they've done to pave the way for generations to come."

The Unforgettable Gala is set to take place Dec. 8 at the Beverly Hilton. Audi is presenting partner, with Joseon, Julia & Ken Gouw Foundation and Genesis One Foundation serving as platinum sponsors and Pechanga Resort & Casino and Private Internet Access sponsoring on the gold level.

The list of honorees announced so far is below.

Actor in Television: Sandra Oh, Killing Eve

Actor in Film: John Cho, Searching

Breakout in Television: Manny Jacinto, The Good Place

Director: Jon M. Chu, Crazy Rich Asians

Vanguard: Crazy Rich Asians cast

Changemaker: Tan France, Queer Eye

Culture – Social Justice: Amanda Nguyen, Rise founder

Culture – Lifestyle: Ben Baller, celebrity jeweler

Athlete on Another Level: Naomi Osaka, U.S. Open winner

Culture Ambassador: Livi Zheng, Bali: Beats of Paradise

Digital Influencer: Cassey Ho, Blogilates