AZN TV's "2006 Asian Excellence Awards"

Daniel Dae Kim & Yunjin Kim: Shining examples of "Asian Excellence"

Last night, Asian American television network AZN hosted the 5th annual "Asian Excellence Awards" to honor outstanding achievements by Asian Americans in various fields. Here are the winners:

• Film: "Kung Fu Hustle"
• Film Performance: Stephen Chow ("Kung Fu Hustle")
• Female TV Performance: Yunjin Kim ("Lost")
• Male TV Performance: Daniel Dae Kim ("Lost")
• Live Performance: Linkin Park
• Stylemaker: Kimora Lee Simmons (Baby Phat)
• Newcomer: Lynn Chen ("Saving Face")

Special honorary awards were also given:

• Inspiration Award: Dr. David Ho, AIDS Researcher and former Time Man of the Year
• Visibility Award: Lucy Liu
• Bridge Award (for bridging cultures): Quentin Tarantino
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Ismail Merchant, late producer and half of Merchant Ivory
• Memoriam: Pat Morita

Presenters included Hawaii born-and-raised Jason Scott Lee and Keiko Agena, and "Lost" actor Harold Perrineau. The event was co-hosted by Hawaii born-and-raised Kelly Hu.

Notable moments include: the infinitely amusing and inebriated Bai Ling announcing that Sandra Oh had won the "Outstanding Female TV Performance" Award and then saying, "Oops, it's Yunjin Kim"; Ralph Macchio recounting that when Pat Morita met his family, he said, "Darn Italians, you all look alike"; Magic Johnson introducing David Ho as the man who "saved my life and the lives of countless others, and I love him"; and Lucy Liu saying, "I look forward to the day when it's not considered a risk, and doesn't draw media attention, to cast across color lines.”

You can catch the full broadcast of the event on Sunday, Jan. 29, 8pm EST/PST on the AZN Network.

>> 'Kung Fu Hustle' and 'Lost' Stars Top The Winners' List at AZN Television's '2006 Asian Excellence Awards Featuring the Remy Martin X.O Honors' [PR Newswire, 1/19/06]
>> At The 2006 Asian Excellence Awards [L.A. Daily News, 1/20/06]
>> 'Kung Fu Hustle' Top Film at Asian Awards [AP via Forbes.com, 1/20/06]

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