Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen, and Sandra Oh Honor Leading Asian Pacific Islander Figures at the 2025 Gold Gala
Over 600 guests braved the sweltering L.A. heat on Saturday to attend the fourth annual Gold Gala—a glittering celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander trailblazers in entertainment, fashion, sports, and culture. Hosted by the nonprofit Gold House, the black-tie affair spotlighted figures making meaningful change, all while showcasing their heritage in dazzling, red-carpet-ready looks, many by Asian designers.
Mindy Kaling turned heads in a pastel gown by Indian designer Anita Dongre. “I love repping Indian designers,” she told Vogue. “They are the best in the game.” Megan Thee Stallion opted for a bold, sculptural ensemble by Chinese designer Quine Li, known for her playful use of geometric forms and asymmetry.
Tayme Thapthimthong—the breakout English-Thai actor beloved for his role as Gaitok in The White Lotus—attended his first Gold Gala in a maroon Brooks Brothers tuxedo, elegantly layered with a vintage Thai sash embroidered with lotus flowers. Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee wore a white, off-the-shoulder organza dress by Korean-American designer Andrew Kwon, while Moana star Auli’i Cravalho shimmered in a glitzy Naeem Khan frock. “His designs are so elegant—and a little risqué,” she noted.
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.”