November Press Release
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Arianacohentv@gmail.com
Date: November 12, 2024
ACMA Announces 2024 Culture and Media Arts Award Recipients
San Diego, CA—The Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA) unveiled the 12 recipients of its 2024 Culture and Media Arts Awards, held under the theme “Celebrating Heritage, Inspiring Change.”
This year’s theme pays tribute to the remarkable contributions of our community and allies, whose efforts have helped shape ACMA’s inclusive and impactful programs. The awards recognize individuals and organizations exemplifying excellence, dedication, and leadership in strengthening our shared community through culture and media arts.
Cathlyn Choi, founder and Executive Director of ACMA, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme in celebrating the accomplishments of the awardees: “This year, as we reflect on the theme ‘Celebrating Heritage, Inspiring Change,’ we honor those whose contributions have enriched our culture and strengthened our community. Since its founding, ACMA has strived to empower Asian and Pacific Islanders through culture and media arts. These awards illuminate individuals and organizations that inspire us to continue advocating for representation, unity, and positive change.”
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to iconic actress and entrepreneur Irene Tsu. Irene began her groundbreaking career as a dancer in the 1961 film Flower Drum Song and soon earned her first speaking role in Take Her, She’s Mine (1963). She became a trailblazer in entertainment with guest roles on I Spy, Mission: Impossible, and Wonder Woman. In addition to her contributions to the arts, Tsu is a former Miss Chinatown USA (1961) and an advocate for Asian American representation.
The awards ceremony will occur during ACMA’s 11th Annual Culture and Media Awards Holiday Mixer on December 14, 2024, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in San Diego.
The event will feature an inspiring evening of celebration and networking, recognizing the honorees’ impact on advancing cultural understanding and creative expression.
2024 Award Recipients
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Irene Tsu
- Humanitarian Award: Dr. Pha Le
- Leadership Award: Joanne Whitlock
- Community Service Award: Nanda Mehta and Ahaana
- Film Media Arts Award: Jaswant Dev Shresta
- Rising Star Award: Lani Gobaleza
- Broadcast Journalism Award: Marcella Lee
- Performing Arts Award: Asian Story Theater
- Community Empowerment Award: San Diego Chinese Women’s Association
- Cultural Awareness Award: Heali’I’s Polynesian Revue, San Diego Lao Heritage Group, and Xingjian Dance Studio
Visit https://www.asianculturemediaalliance.org/awards-recipients/ to access all award recipients’ bios.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.acmasocal.org or contact info@acmasocal.org.
About ACMA
Established in 2013, the Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA) promotes cultural diversity and inclusion through innovative media arts and educational programs. Our mission is to unite, promote, and empower Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved communities by providing access to resources and opportunities in the arts, media, and cultural preservation, including film, television, and radio podcast series, youth media arts training, cultural events, and community engagement initiatives. For more information, visit acmasocal.org
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