As mentioned earlier in today’s site open, Gold House’s Gold Gala was a celebration of Asia Pacific talent and Lucy Liu was honoured with the Gold Legend Award at the event this weekend.
During her acceptance, Lucy talked about how she was initially hesitant to accept the honour – per Deadline:
“…because it was probably childhood trauma, like you don’t deserve it [or] you didn’t earn it. But I’m here because of this community.”
She spoke honestly about what it was like when she was coming up, and why it’s so incredible to her now that there’s a burgeoning community of artists and supporters who are making and expanding space for themselves and future generations:
“I feel like it’s been very lonely and I wish so much that there was more encouragement from my family, because just a little bit goes so long in where you’re going, in your journey,” she said. “It’s hard when you’re the first person in the room; when you’re the only person that is different. And we are here now and we are collectively special because of that.”
Lucy continued, reflecting on the progress that Asian performers have made and continue to push for – and how inspiring it’s been for her after all these years in the business:
“I love that we are all here tonight because there is no ceiling. And I’ve never seen that for myself and I want to all collectively to understand how special this moment is that we are as a community. I share this award with you because you have lifted me up, given me strength. You have made me so proud.”
It was Regina King who presented Lucy with her award – and this too is powerful because rising tides lift all ships applies here too. It’s not one community over and above another, it’s about the cross-collaboration between communities working together. This is also why Cynthia Erivo was recognised with the Gold Ally Award, presented to her by Michelle Yeoh and Jon M Chu who worked with her on the Wicked movies. Per Variety:
“As a Black woman, [of] African heritage, the child of an immigrant, I find that there is this innate connection to my golden siblings,” she said. “Our destinies are forged in the understanding that we have to overcome and defy the odds.” She added, “We are in search of the very best of ourselves, often at first for our parents, and then we learn to harness that power for ourselves. We have a kinship that is unspoken.”
I almost cried when I read the words “golden siblings”, I love how she expressed this, that I myself could have the honor of being seen as a golden sibling to those from other background and ethnicities. And of course the responsibility of upholding that honour to advocate for others in return.
So there was sentiment at the Gold Gala but there was also fashion. Highlights for me include Sherry Cola in an adorable white dress with puff sleeves and note the Asian collar. I want! Also her hair looks amazing.
And Lee Sung Jin who killed it during award season with his drip as he was picking up every award possible for Beef in a bold tie dye suit and white frame glasses and that HAIR. Lee Sung Jin should be on every best dressed list!
