Asian Cultural Council's 2026 Gala

2026 Gala Honoree

Michelle Yeoh

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is honored to recognize Michelle Yeoh for her embodiment of the mission that has guided ACC for over six decades. Her work as an actress, producer, and humanitarian reaches audiences worldwide and builds cultural bridges, fostering understanding and connections across communities.   

Yeoh has starred in more than sixty films over her illustrious career. Through these film roles, she has challenged traditional views of Asian women by creating strong and memorable female characters. In 2023, she was awarded the Best Actress Oscar for her magnetic performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, and in 2024 and 2025 respectively, she charismatically portrayed Madame Morrible in the epic musical fantasy films “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good”, both directed by Jon Chu. Yeoh also starred in the 2001 Ang Lee blockbuster “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”, which received the Academy Award for Best Picture. Other memorable titles include “Crazy Rich Asians”, “James Bond - Tomorrow Never Dies”, “Memoirs of a Geisha”, Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and the sci-fi TV franchise “Star Trek: Discovery”, on which she starred as the first Asian female Starfleet Captain.  

Throughout her career, Yeoh has received numerous acting awards, nominations, and honors.  In addition to her work in the film industry, Yeoh is a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Programme, where for the past decade she has focused on empowering vulnerable populations around the world. We are pleased to honor Michelle Yeoh as 2026 Asian Cultural Council Gala Honoree.  

2026 Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Awardee

Wendy O'Neill

The Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller (BHR) Award was established in 2009 in honor of Asian Cultural Council’s first Chairman, the wife of John D. Rockefeller 3rd. Mrs. Rockefeller shared her husband’s passion for the arts and cultures of Asia and his vision for creating a better world through cultural exchange. The BHR Award recognizes philanthropists who have partnered with ACC and made outstanding contributions to advancing international dialogue, understanding, and respect in Asia and the U.S.

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is honored to recognize Wendy O’Neill for her exceptional leadership and long-standing commitment to advancing cultural exchange between Asia and the United States. A dedicated advocate of ACC’s mission, Ms. O’Neill is Honorary Co-Chair of ACC’s Life Trustee Board and previously Chaired ACC’s Board of Trustees for 11 years. Since joining the ACC board in 2009, her guidance and philanthropic support have played a vital role in shaping the organization’s growth and impact. Ms. O’Neill is deeply committed to the power of cultural exchange with Asia. Her academic background in East Asian and Chinese history, combined with early professional experience in China trade and investment— including as the first foreign intern at the China International Trust and Investment Company—has informed her leadership across institutions such as the China Medical Board, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and most recently, the WEDU PBS Board. Her vision, generosity, and enduring belief in the importance of international dialogue continue to strengthen ACC’s work and inspire its mission. We are pleased to honor Wendy as the fifth recipient of this award since its inception in 2009.