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Asian American Arts Alliance to honor Padma Lakshmi at annual gala
The event will be hosted on October 5 at Chinese Tuxedo and Opera House in New York City.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 07, Aug 2026
- 15:56 EDT
- 66
Emmy-nominated producer Padma Lakshmi / https://www.padmalakshmi.com/
The Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) announced that author, television host and producer Padma Lakshmi will receive the Vanguard Award at its 2026 Annual Benefit scheduled to take place on Oct. 5
An Emmy-nominated producer and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2023, Lakshmi is being recognized for her contributions to food, media and advocacy.
She currently serves as creator and host of CBS' America's Culinary Cup and previously hosted and executive-produced Bravo's Top Chef for 19 seasons. She also created and hosts Hulu's Emmy-nominated Taste the Nation.
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Beyond television, Lakshmi is co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America, an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Artist Ambassador for immigrants' and women's rights, and a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador. She is also the author of several bestselling books, including Love, Loss and What We Ate and the children's book Tomatoes for Neela.
Alongside Lakshmi, A4 is also recognizing philanthropist Yao King and White Rabbit Trustwith the Community Champion Award.
King, founder and chief investment officer of New York-based hedge fund YKAM, along with White Rabbit Trust, are being recognized for their sustained support of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists and creators. Through initiatives spanning film, comedy, fashion, food, literature and visual arts, King has backed numerous creative projects, co-founded the #GoldOpen movement, launched the Asian Comedy Fest, and supported AAPI filmmakers at the Sundance Film Festival since 2020.
A4 also announced that Joan Shigekawa and Dr. Mariko Silver will receive its inaugural Legacy of Leadership Award, becoming the first mother-daughter duo to be jointly recognized by the organization.
The 2026 Annual Benefit, themed "Unbreakable Ties," will feature cocktails, a seated dinner, live performances and celebrations honoring leaders who have made significant contributions to AAPI arts and culture. The event will bring together artists, community leaders and supporters to celebrate the impact of Asian American voices across creative industries.
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