Laufey, Megan Thee Stallion, Jordan Chiles Shine at 2025 Gold House Gala Honoring AAPI Trailblazers

getty images

By Zara Noelle

staff writer

May 11, 2025

The fourth annual Gold House Gala lit up Downtown Los Angeles on May 10, gathering a vibrant mix of actors, musicians, filmmakers, athletes, authors, and activists to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) changemakers shaping culture in bold and inspiring ways.

Held at the Music Center, the gala honored both emerging and established voices whose work this year has elevated AAPI stories and presence in media, entertainment, and beyond. Among the standout attendees were Grammy-winning singer Laufey, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, director Jon M. Chu, and rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion.

Jon M. Chu, the visionary behind Crazy Rich Asians, In The Heights, and the upcoming Wicked: For Good, was presented with the A1 in Entertainment and Media award. A co-founder of Gold House himself, Chu delivered a powerful speech underscoring the evolution of AAPI representation in Hollywood:

“We’re not just guests at the table anymore,” he declared. “We built the damn house, and guess what? It’s made of gold and we’ve got more work to do.”

Chu also reflected on the mentorship he received early in his career, notably from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who helped him feel empowered to bring his full Asian identity to his creative work. “Never underestimate the power of The Rock planting seed,” he added with a smile.

Megan Thee Stallion was honored with the One House Honor for her dedication to uplifting Asian Pacific culture. Her recent single Mamushi with Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba stood out as a cultural bridge. The music video, which features Japanese actors like Shô Kasamatsu, was filmed in iconic locations such as Tsurumaki Onsen Jinya and Engaku-ji Temple, paying tribute to classic Japanese cinema and aesthetics.

In the music category, Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey took home the Billboard Gold Record Honor, acknowledging her genre-defying sound that continues to enchant audiences globally while celebrating her unique cultural heritage.

The Gold Ensemble Honor was awarded to the team behind Moana 2, Auli’i Cravalho, Dana Ledoux Miller, and Dave Derrick Jr. recognizing their collective work in bringing Polynesian stories to international audiences through animation and storytelling.

Athlete and Olympian Jordan Chiles brought star power and athletic grace to the carpet, further representing the diversity of AAPI excellence celebrated at the event.

The Gold House Gala continues to serve not only as a celebration, but as a statement: that AAPI communities are not only contributing to American culture they are shaping it. And with the talent, vision, and solidarity on full display this year, the future looks luminous.