【ANN NEWS, GLENDALE】 The Asian Hall of Fame recently held its 2026 Midsummer Media Event in Glendale, Southern California, formally announcing this year’s honorees and awards. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, this year’s honorees span generations and fields, ranging from a 99-year-old veteran achiever to a new generation of Asian pop culture icons, highlighting the broad influence of Asians in American society and on the global stage.
Japanese baseball legend Hideo Nomo received the Sports Trailblazer Award; Miky Lee, vice chairwoman of CJ Group and a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, received the Centennial Medal of Lifetime Achievement; and Sophie Chang, who has long been dedicated to philanthropy and humanitarian causes, received the Humanitarian Service Medal of Honor.
Manhattan Hotel Group Chairwoman Kitty Lo, Chinese American actress Lisa Lu and TAO CEO Maggie Tseng were also named among this year’s honorees. Lu received the Cinema Trailblazer Award in recognition of her longstanding contributions to Chinese-language cinema and the international film and television industry.
Asian Hall of Fame CEO Maki Hsieh said the 2026 honorees span a wide range of ages and backgrounds, from a distinguished 99-year-old veteran to a new generation of Asian icons, including BLACKPINK member Rosé, reflecting the continued influence of Asian talent across sports, film and television, entertainment, business and philanthropy.
She said the Asian Hall of Fame hopes that by honoring Asian leaders and distinguished individuals, it can recognize their contributions to American society while promoting the exchange of talent, culture and ideas between Asia and the West, bringing the best of Asian talent to the West and the best of America to the East.
Asian Hall of Fame Board Chair Melinda Rogers said that in an era marked by conflict and challenges, cultural exchange and community collaboration are increasingly important in bringing different communities together. She said she hopes to unite people from diverse backgrounds, promote peace amid conflict, and create prosperity and hope in times of challenge.
In addition to recognizing its annual honorees, the Asian Hall of Fame has also made public programs and women’s development initiatives key priorities. Funds raised through the event will support women’s scholarships and public programs, helping women across different industries gain access to educational and career development opportunities. A number of past recipients have already used such support to pursue new opportunities and advance their careers.
During the event, the Asian Hall of Fame also hosted a private appreciation party to thank board members and partners. The event featured a sushi and appetizer buffet, red-carpet photo opportunities, a pop-up boutique and the signature Build-A-Box experience, with proceeds supporting public programs and women’s scholarships.
