Jon M. Chu Honored at Gold House Gala: ‘We’re Striving to be the Greatest There Ever Was’

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At the fourth annual Gold House Gold Gala held in Los Angeles last Saturday, I had the immense pleasure of witnessing the esteemed “Wicked” director, Jon M. Chu, receiving the prestigious Legend award.

As a dedicated cinephile, I, Chu, one of the founders of Gold House and the driving force behind the groundbreaking #GoldOpen movement, have been recognized with the A1 in Entertainment and Media. This esteemed honor comes as a result of my trailblazing directorial achievements in “Wicked” and to add to the excitement, I am eagerly anticipating the release of its highly-awaited sequel, “Wicked: For Good.

The filmmaker expressed that Asian representation has significantly progressed over the past decade. Addressing a crowd that included H.E.R., “Moana 2” director Dana LeDoux Miller, Ang Lee and others, Chu stated, “We’re no longer mere guests at the table. We’ve constructed the house ourselves, and not just any house – it’s golden! But there’s more work to be done.” Chu further said, “If everyone is ready, I am too.

In 2013, during the filming of “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” Chu admitted to feeling incredibly anxious. However, it was a remark from the movie’s lead actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (who played Roadblock), that eased his nerves. Chu recounted, “He looked at me and said, ‘Can you believe our luck? A man like me, starring in a major film directed by a man who looks just like me.’ He gave me a reassuring pat on the back and said, ‘I’ve got your back, buddy.’

Chu acknowledged that he hadn’t fully grasped the significance of that instance for himself. “At the time, I wasn’t entirely prepared to showcase my complete identity in the limelight, yet Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s influence was more impactful than I could have imagined, sowing a seed.

Jon M. Chu, known for directing movies like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” expressed that he no longer felt isolated after the #OscarsSoWhite movement. He acknowledged the significant growth in Asian representation in films, as well as the achievements of Asian creators and athletes over the past decade. This positive momentum was evident on the set of last year’s “Wicked.” Chu shared an inspiring moment when he stood alongside Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh and “SNL” sensation Bowen Yang. Yang exclaimed, “We’re going to crush it!” To which Yeoh responded, “Of course we are.” This dynamic represents a shift in mentality, moving beyond merely seeking representation, but aiming to excel and be the best there ever was.

Ang Lee, known for movies such as “The Life of Pi,” “Brokeback Mountain,” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” was awarded the Gold Legend. In his acceptance speech, he expressed surprise at finding himself making films in America. He had envisioned returning to Taiwan to create movies instead. Lee continued, stating that his sole focus was on filmmaking. He likened his career to being enrolled in a prestigious film school, where he was paid to learn. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged how far he and others like him have come, emphasizing the power of their voices.

Gold House co-founder Bing Chen concluded the event with some final thoughts. He inspired the crowd to strive for impact by making small yet impactful actions. “The positive aspect is that you don’t need to take on everything; it’s impossible. Everyone has their limits. What you need to do, though, is something – just one thing. Remember, each of you is crucial because you are the pioneer, and we want you to understand that too.

The Gold Gala celebrated the 100 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals whose influence shaped American culture and community over the past year.

The evening featured a Filipino-themed dinner prepared by the esteemed Chef Lord Maynard Llera, winner of the James Beard Award and the culinary mastermind behind the renowned Kuya Lord restaurant in Los Angeles, which was specially arranged for guests to enjoy.

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2025-05-11 09:21