Second Annual AHS Awards Recipients

A Hot Set has selected the winners of its second annual A Hot Set Awards (AHSA). The nominees were voted on and curated by A Hot Set journalists and editors on Monday, January 8th, 2023. The virtual ceremony honors the most impactful people of color in film, television, and new media across 28 categories. Nominees were whittled down to five per category, with the biggest winners being Past Lives and Beef.

The AHS Awards would like to congratulate actors Denzel Washington and George Takei for winning our Lifetime Achievement Awards. Named after Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and African American actress Ethel Waters, both awards honor influential POC individuals whose careers helped pave the way for representation on and off screen.

FILM

Best Film: Past Lives

Celine Song’s directorial debut presents a semi-biographical account of two childhood friends struggling with their relationship as they grow old. Both Teo Yoo and Greta Lee give amazing performances alongside John Magaro as the supporting actor. Past Lives has received critical acclaim since its release and continues to garner widespread attention for its intimate story and thoughtful characters.

Past Lives has won various nominations, including two Academy Awards and five Golden Globe nominations, an impressive feat for a debut director. It has been prematurely cited as one of the best films of the 2020s and for good reason. It’s a strong contender for this year's Golden Globes and a popular underdog for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Best Foreign Film: Godzilla: Minus One

Godzilla makes a daunting return in 2023’s newest installation of the Godzilla franchise. Set at the end of World War II, former kamikaze pilot Ryunosuke Kamiki is plagued by survivor’s guilt; he attempts to reconnect with society while dealing with a monster emerging from the sea. Director Takashi Yamazaki cited Hayao Miyazaki and multiple monster movies as influencing the creation of a Godzilla film centered on the unflinching tenacity of the human condition.

The film garnered an Academy Award nomination for visual effects, marking it as the first Godzilla film to receive an Academy nomination. Minus One became the most successful Japanese Godzilla film of all time, receiving praise for its directing, effects, acting, and social commentary. It topped multiple top ten lists across various publications and is the front-runner to win a majority of its twelve Japan Academy Film Prize nominations.

Best Animated Film: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man swings back into the spotlight with Across the Spider-Verse, the widely anticipated sequel to Sony’s animated Spider-Man franchise. Following the events of Into the Spider-Verse, Miles is launched into the multiverse, forced to learn the true meaning of being Spider-Man. The franchise's unique visual style has paved the way for expressive animation in the industry, often cited as a visual inspiration for new animated films.

Much like the prequel, Across the Spider-Verse received universal acclaim worldwide and quickly became Sony’s highest-grossing animated film. It’s a strong contender for Best Animated Film at the Academy Awards and is likely to win most of its numerous Golden Globe nominations. Industry professionals have hailed the film as a masterpiece in filmmaking, naming it as one of the greatest sequels ever made.

Best Documentary: American Symphony

Jon Batiste stars in Matthew Heineman’s American Symphony, a biographical documentary showcasing Batiste’s musical career while dealing with his wife’s emerging leukemia. The film showcases the year of the critically acclaimed musician’s life as he struggles to compose a symphony when his wife’s (author Suleika Jaouad) cancer returns. The film is a harrowing story about struggling artists at odds with themselves and their creative endeavors.

The documentary had its world premiere at the 50th Telluride Film Festival and was distributed by Netflix shortly after. The film received praise from audiences and critics, with reviewers emphasizing the dark but intimate subject matter and how it manifests into art. American Symphony has received multiple nominations across Award shows, including the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, NAACP Image Award, and an Academy Award for Best Song.

Best Standup Comedy Special: Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer

American stand-up comedian, writer, and actress Wanda Sykes partnered with Netflix to release Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer, an off-beat comedy special that bridges her personal life with her political activism. She discusses the generational gap between Gen Z, Millennials, and Boomers while tastefully observing the absurdity of our current political climate. She is authentic and outspoken as she highlights our crucial misunderstanding of what it means to be politically correct in a hyper-aggressive political sphere.

Sykes packs plenty of hard-hitting subjects into a neat comedy special thanks to her outstanding writing abilities. From LGBTQ+ issues to the marginalization of African Americans, Sykes’ ability to interweave difficult subjects with her personal experiences creates a stand-up special that perfectly balances critical analysis with genuine laughs. Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer is nominated for this year’s Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy at the Golden Globes.

Best Screenplay: Celine Song, Past Lives

Past Lives is the winner of AHS’ Best Screenplay award. With its modest setting and interpersonal relationships, this story created by Celine Song portrays the internal suffering that accompanies desire. Flipping the format of typical romcoms, Song cultivated basic yet realistic characters that highlight the human need for companionship.

The film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards alongside a slew of prestigious nominations at the Golden Globes. Industry professionals have given immense praise for Song’s reserved, evocative storytelling, even comparing it to classic romantic French New Wave cinema. Its subtle atmosphere and amazing performances position Celine Song as a visual storyteller to watch out for.

Best Short Film: I’m Not An Activist

Asian communities have borne the brunt of recent xenophobic attacks, largely caused by skepticism surrounding COVID-19. I’m Not An Activist questions the passivity of civil rights groups and the general public toward vulnerable Asian American communities. The short film follows a group of New Yorkers founding the Dragon Combat Club, a self-defense course aimed at empowering Asian communities to defend their lives and protect their neighborhoods.

I’m Not An Activist interviews various individuals working to improve the conditions of Asian Americans’ everyday lives through extensive volunteer work in the subways and combat courses. “I’m just being a man of our people, I’m not an activist” perfectly encapsulates the political struggle Asian Americans face when let down by society. Its dynamic lighting and difficult subject matter land I’m Not An Activist as a powerful, hopeful reminder that survival in a violent world is led by our communities.

Best Director: Celine Song, Past Lives

Korean Canadian filmmaker and playwright Celine Song began her career in theater, writing off-Broadway plays such as Endings (2019) and directing The Seagull on The Sims 4 (2020). She garnered attention from various publications for the latter, noting her experimental play combined traditional theater and online live streaming to uniquely capture the despondent attitudes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her latest film, Past Lives, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in early 2023 and received critical acclaim throughout the festival. Produced by A24 and inspired by events from her life, the film captivated audiences for its intimate portrayal of love and desire. With nominations from prestigious institutions, Past Lives serves as a strong, evocative directorial debut.

Best Actor (Tie): Jeffery Wright, American Fiction & Teo Yoo, Past Lives

Jeffery Wright (American Fiction) and Teo Yoo (Past Lives) tied for Best Actor at the second AHS Awards. As a result, both actors will receive the award. Based on the experimental 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, American Fiction follows a novelist-professor who, angry with the exploitative state of African American literature, struggles with fame and fortune after writing a parody that gets perceived as serious literature. The film publicly criticizes the publication of negative African American stereotypes and misery lit — a literary genre that delves into heavy trauma, physical abuse, and mental abuse suffered by the protagonist. Jeffery Wright has received numerous accolades for his performance, including nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

In Past Lives, Teo Yoo plays Hae Sung, a man looking to rekindle a relationship with his childhood friend. His performance has been lauded as the best of the year, with accolades across various award institutions. Publications described Yoo’s performance as restrained, passionate, lively, and sincere. He is currently nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Best Actress: Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon

Native American actress Lily Gladstone has been chosen for her portrayal of Mollie Kyle in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. She began her career with smaller independent filmmakers and has made appearances in shows like Billions and Reservation Dogs. Her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon makes her the first Native American to win Best Actress at the Golden Globes and be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

Gladstone’s performance was notable for bringing Native American representation to the forefront of contemporary American cinema. Native Americans are underrepresented in media and her performance highlights a shift in the cultural examination of accurate representation within cinema. Many publications believe she is a strong candidate to win the prestigious Best Actress Award at this year’s Academy Award, marking the fourth Indigenous and first Native American woman to be nominated.

SCRIPTED TV

Best TV Series - Drama: The Last of Us

Based on the best-selling video game, The Last of Us tells the harrowing story of a smuggler escorting a young teen across a post-apocalyptic United States in order to create a vaccine for a deadly virus. The series is set twenty years after a mass fungal infection turns the entire country into zombies, and our protagonist must deal with rising political factions while avoiding dangerous creatures and violent criminals. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey star in this HBO drama, which is lauded as the best video game adaptation ever made.

The series was met with widespread acclaim from critics, audiences, and fans of the game. It won eight Primetime Emmy Awards out of 24 nominations. HBO stated the series is the second most-watched HBO program since 2010, with 4.7 million viewers on the first day. The amazing performances, writing, and score have audiences eagerly waiting for season two, which will be released next year.

Best TV Actor - Drama: Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us

Pedro Pascal is a Chilean American actor who portrays Joel in HBO’s The Last of Us. Pascal rose to prominence after his titular role in Game of Thrones and Netflix’s Narcos. Joel Miller, a misanthropic smuggler plagued by his dark past, is tasked to escort Ellie across the United States. His subtle changes from the game’s character give Joel a more sincere, empathetic personality that fans adore. The series also stars Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Anna Torv, Storm Reid, and Nick Offerman.

His portrayal of Joel has been praised by critics and fans of the game, the latter particularly noting the subtle differences between his portrayal and the game. Pascal is the second Latino actor to be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the Emmys, and he received nominations from the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and Golden Globes.

Best TV Actress - Drama: Olivia Cheng, Warrior

Warrior is a crime drama based on an original concept by Bruce Lee. It centers on a martial arts fighter searching for his sister after being sold to the most powerful tong in Chinatown. HBO picked up the series for a third season after its cancellation in 2020. Olivia Cheng plays a loose characterization of Ah Toy, a brothel madam said to be the best-known Asian woman across the American Frontier.

The series features characters loosely based on real people, and Cheng’s fictionalized interpretation of Ah Toy surprised audiences with her amazing martial arts abilities and thrilling performance. Warrior was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award and two Emmy awards before its cancellation in late 2023. The series ranked among the top 15 most-viewed programs on HBO Max in 2021, tastefully bridging martial arts with intense drama.

Best TV Series - Comedy: Beef

Beef premiered on Netflix to international success thanks to Steven Yeun and Ali Wong’s performances. The series follows a prolonged feud between two strangers after they’re involved in a road rage incident. The show hilariously showcases the pettiness that most people feel with road rage and audiences immediately gravitate toward the series’ impeccable wit and humor. Lee Sung Jin created the miniseries after a road rage incident in Los Angeles, stating how subjective our perspectives are and how our projections of people are often inspired by things that aren’t real.

The series premiered at SXSW to critical acclaim, particularly noting its writing, characters, and direction. Beef won eight awards at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and swept the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards. The series highlights the shared commonalities of life that most people don’t recognize, even among those you may disagree with. It was rated as one of the best shows of the year, and with such a shocking finale, audiences eagerly anticipate the announcement of a second season.

Best TV Actor - Comedy: Steven Yeun, Beef

Steven Yeun is an American actor who rose to prominence for his role in The Walking Dead and earned critical acclaim for starring in Burning. He became the first Asian American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Minari. Starring and serving as executive producer, he plays Danny Cho, a struggling contractor whose life quickly spirals out of control after a minor road rage incident. He and Ali Wong take turns tormenting each other in a miniseries full of laughs and hilarious pettiness.

Critics praised the show for its daring portrayal of two characters desperately in need of control as their lives steers away from their ambitions. Yeun became the first person of Asian descent to win Best Actor at the Golden Globes. Receiving multiple nominations across the entertainment industry, he was also awarded Best Actor at the Emmys and Critics’ Choice Awards. Beef has yet to be renewed for a second season, but creator Lee stated that he has “three seasons mapped out in [his] head,” leaving fans eagerly waiting for Netflix to greenlight season two.

Best TV Actress - Comedy: Ali Wong, Beef

Ali Wong is an American actress, stand-up comedian, writer, and director known for her Netflix comedy specials. She has starred in various films but received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Amy Lau in Netflix’s smash hit Beef. Much like Yeun, she starred and served as executive producer, portraying a struggling business owner whose business is sabotaged after a minor road rage incident incites a petty feud. Her performance has garnered critical acclaim and won her a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for Leading Actress, making her the only Asian woman to win the category.

Critics have lauded her performance as sincere, quirky, and absurd. She also won the Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Actress and received multiple nominations from different platforms and award ceremonies. Beef is a dark comedy that has taken the world by storm, and fans eagerly wait for Netflix to announce a second season.

Best TV Series - Soap/Telenovela (Tie): Days of Our Lives, EastEnders, & General Hospital

Days of Our Lives, EastEnders, and General Hospital tied for the second annual AHS awards; as a result, the award will be given to all three programs. Days of Our Lives is one of the world’s longest-running scripted television programs, with over 14,000 episodes. It remained as the only soap airing on NBC before it switched over to Peacock. Set in the fictional city of Salem, Illinois, the series follows two families — the Bradys and the Hortons — and their interpersonal struggles while juggling various side families. Actor James Reynolds had a particularly notable arc this season as his character Abe Carter was kidnapped and lost his memory. This is notable as the show expanded its POC cast by 5% in 2023, proving the series is lending a voice to POC actors.

Actor Remington Hoffman played Li Shin, a rare role of an Asian heartthrob who shares an unprecedented romantic scene with fellow AAPI actress Tina Huang who plays Melinda Trask. Fan favorite vixen Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus) made a killer exit when she was sent to prison for the murder of Li, ultimately ending a 14-year career as the only leading contracted Latina on a U.S. daytime drama series. Days of Our Lives has a tremendous legacy that will be tested with its recent shift to Peacock, a move that not only challenges Daytime Soap’s longevity in the media landscape but will show how legacy media fares in the dominant streaming culture.

EastEnders is a British soap opera following the lives of civilians and their families. The series is the most diverse soap opera in Western programming, featuring 18 characters of color in 2023; this includes the Black British Fox family and the British Indian Panesar family. They recently introduced the new interracial Knight family, featuring George Knight (Colin Salmon), Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), and two biracial children, Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford). The series has garnered praise and controversy over the years due to its difficult themes and social critique, yet the series remains beloved by fans and critics.

The series is a tumultuous watch with characters experiencing thrilling arcs, such as Denise Fox's (Kim Parish) and Ravi Gulati’s (Aaron Thiara) recent affair. Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) shockingly married Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) despite being secretly in love with Eve (Heather Peace). Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) suffered from a mental health breakdown, a scene that surprised audiences because of Empson’s stellar performance. The series continues to amaze critics and was nominated for Best Soap and Continuing Drama at the 2023 British Academy Television Awards. It was also nominated for multiple British Soap Awards and a U.K. Broadcast Award.

The Young and the Restless is the final winner for AHS’ Best TV Soap. The series has been the highest-rated daytime soap opera for 34 years, winning 11 Daytime Emmy Awards and multiple Writers Guild of America Awards. Following the relationships between various families across multiple generations, the series often makes crossover appearances with its sister show The Bold and the Beautiful. Our recent Daytime Drama Diversity Report found The Young and the Restless to contain the fewest POC actors out of any American daytime soap opera, making up only 19% of the cast. It also lacks POC behind the scenes, with one POC scriptwriter and no POCs in directing roles.

Despite this, African American actor Sean Dominic and Latina actress Zuleyka Silver were among the most featured actors of color in a U.S. soap opera throughout 2023. Its lack of onscreen representation doesn’t deter the series from showcasing dramatic storylines featuring its POC cast. Among these was Nate Hastings’ (Dominic) popular interracial romance with Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) that foregrounded his plot to steal her family’s company. Audra Charles (Silver) used her looks to weasel her way into the Abbott, Newman, and Winter families in order to secure her corporate future. At the same time, legacy actress Veronica Redd reprised her role as Mamie Johnson, returning to Genoa City to fix the interpersonal struggle between members of her family. The series won several Daytime Emmy nominations.

UNSCRIPTED TV

Best Docusoap: Love Is Blind

Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Love Is Blind came back in 2023 with two seasons full of drama, heartbreak, and passion. Created by Chris Coelen, the show experiments with the reality-dating formula by having single men and women fall in love and get engaged before meeting in person. The series' name plays on stereotypical romantic tropes and questions if true love is blind to physical attraction. The show features a cast of varying ethnicities and offers a reunion episode where couples talk about the state of their relationship.

The show was an instant sensation, spawning international spinoffs. It was the most streamed reality show of 2023, with 229 million hours watched. Our Netflix Engagement Report found Love Is Blind to be one of the leading POC programs of last year, highlighting the growing need for POC-centered content. The show has gained a large viewership and will continue to grow as more drama awaits in 2024’s newest season.

Best Docuseries: Queer Eye

After the original series went off the air, Netflix rebooted Queer Eye in 2018 to critical and commercial success. The show centers on The Fab Five — advisors with special backgrounds — as they spend a week improving someone’s life situation. The Fab Five consists of experts in food and wine, design, grooming, culture, and fashion. The series is lauded for its strong LGBTQ+ representation, POC visibility, and bridging the gap between reality programming and introspective social commentary. The series has seen international success with adaptations in Germany and Brazil.

After relocating to Atlanta, Netflix’s Queer Eye presents The Fab Five tackling serious subjects involving gender, race, and sexuality, even with people of opposing views. The show has received accolades across its six-year run, including 11 Primetime Emmy wins and one Critics’ Choice Award. The Fab Five are pleasantly entertaining while discussing issues like gender politics, queer commodification, and representation. Aside from being a fun makeover show, the series never backs down from honest discussion and its empowering relationships with subjects. Queer Eye powerfully examines the intersection between Queer culture and America’s ever-evolving cultural landscape.

Best News Program: Breaking Points (second nomination and second win)

This is Breaking Points’ second nomination and win at the AHS Awards. Former hosts of the political newspaper The Hill’s web series, Rising, Krystal Ball, and Saagar Enjeti host their anti-establishment political opinions on YouTube’s highest-rated news program. Their prominent progressive voices alongside critical analysis of American and world politics positions Breaking Points as one of the few influential independent news programs on YouTube. The program features commentary and analysis of current events political news and interviews with journalists, politicians, and campaign staff. Their weekly show Counter Points airs on Wednesdays with journalist Ryan Grim and writer Emily Jashinsky.

Ball and Enjeti have maintained their independence. They have discussed experiencing corporate pressure when they worked under The Hill, something Breaking Points strongly opposes. Ball represents the political left while Enjeti represents the center-right, a format that prevents the show from leaning heavily towards one side. With 1.18 million subscribers, their independence from traditional news outlets highlights the public’s growing desire for media without corporate filters. They and their guests can speak freely without censors, ensuring true and honest political discussions for their millions of listeners.

Best TV News Anchor(s): Saagar Enjeti & Krystal Ball, Breaking Points (second nomination and second win)

Breaking Points' hosts Saagar Enjeti and Krystal Ball have been awarded Best TV News Anchor(s). This is their second win this year, totaling four AHS Award wins. Acting as a representation of the people, Enjeti’s right-wing opinions contrast Ball’s left-wing stances to ensure political discussions with both sides. Both were former hosts of Rising, The Hill’s web series. Feeling political and corporate pressure to align themselves with the publication’s narrative and political opinions, they resigned and created Breaking Points in June of 2021, amassing 300,000 subscribers within their first week.

Fans of the show can participate in a live discussion through YouTube’s premium subscriber feature. Honest debate is a staple that fans and critics of the series love as it promotes healthy discussion where everyone’s opinion is heard. The show’s unfiltered criticism of mainstream media is a growing trait among emerging independent media. Their political analysis alongside their proud independent status makes Breaking Points one of the few news programs finding success in a rising online media landscape.

Best Talk Show: Asian Boss

Asian Boss’ interview series is the winner of AHS’ Best Talk Show. After witnessing a growing divide within society, Stephen Park and Kei Ibaraki founded Asian Boss, a YouTube channel highlighting contemporary Asian culture and politics. Their podcast episodes bring guests from varying backgrounds to discuss politics and emerging social trends, analyze culture, and open conversations about serious topics in Asia. The show aims to stay as neutral as possible in order to curb political bias.

Park’s talk show highlights Asian politics, crime, and analysis through the backing of its fans. The series proclaims to be free from governmental and corporate interest, stating that its mission is to unite people of various cultural backgrounds. Fans of the show enjoy the unfiltered discussions with Park and his guests, which allow a free-flowing conversation. From the production to the honest discussions, Asian Boss presents unfiltered opinions through voices not found in mainstream media, incentivizing fans to cultivate their own opinions.

Best Talk Show Host: Stephen Park, Asian Boss

Born in South Korea, Stephen Park aims to uplift a hopeless society engulfed in 24-hour fearmongering news cycles. He founded Asian Boss in 2013 alongside Kei Ibaraki to showcase real people’s voices across Asia. His talk show provides a platform to journalists, scientists, and political commentators who typically wouldn’t appear in mainstream media. His independent status creates honest discussions through unfiltered interviews and analysis of Asian society and culture. When the channel almost shut down in 2021, fans poured in thousands of donations, proving that independent media is capable of succeeding without corporate or government backing.

Fans embrace the show’s authenticity and nuanced opinions about Asian culture and society. Park states his mission is to empower people to critically think for themselves, voice their opinions, and foster a community of hospitality and acceptance. His wide range of guests keeps the show from becoming stale and offers insights that may otherwise never be platformed. His critique of Asian countries, namely their culture and economics, keeps Asian Boss in the hearts of millions while harboring space for public discussion and community.

Best Game Show: Family Feud (second nomination and second win)

The hit American television game show Family Feud has won Best Game Show for the second year in a row. First aired in 1976, the series pits two families against each other to compete for cash and prizes. Cycling through a plethora of hosts since its inception, Steve Harvey has been the face of the series since 2010. In the game, families answer popular survey questions to gain points, culminating in lucrative prizes and high cash rewards. Participants have the chance to increase their winnings through minigames and bonus rounds.

Family Feud regularly ranks among the top 10 highest-rated programs of daytime television, competing with game show giants like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! The series has gained worldwide recognition, with over 50 adaptations outside the United States in countries like South Africa, Mexico, and Hong Kong. Popular American spinoffs include Celebrity Family Feud, a version where celebrities and their families compete for charity rather than prizes. The show is consistently ranked as one of the most-watched game shows in the United States, and it is confirmed to be renewed through the 2025-26 television season.

Best Games Show Host: Steve Harvey, Family Feud (second nomination and second win)

Steve Harvey began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s and quickly amassed a following that continues to grow. This is his second year winning our Best Games Show Host award. Harvey became the host of Family Feud in 2010, quickly transforming the show into a cultural phenomenon. He also hosts Celebrity Family Feud, Family Feud Africa, and the court comedy Judge Steve Harvey. On top of this, his accolades include seven Daytime Emmy Awards and 14 NAACP Image awards.

He is regularly cited as the backbone of the modern Family Feud directly responsible for the series’ immense popularity. His sardonic brand of comedy is ripe for quick laughs and online memes, which increases the show’s popularity. Besides his onscreen appearances, Steve Harvey has published four books, including the 2009 New York Times bestseller Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. He also founded Steve Harvey Global, an entertainment company that platforms his production company East 112. He received the inaugural “Man in The Mirror” Award alongside Chris Tucker for his youth outreach service, The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation. His onscreen and online presence make him one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry.

Best Competitive Series: Master Chef

Based on the British series of the same name, MasterChef (U.S.) has quickly become one of the most-watched cooking reality television programs. The series is currently judged by Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Aarón Sánchez. Amateur home chefs compete in various cooking challenges — first in a team, then solo — in order to win a cash prize, a cookbook deal, the Masterchef trophy, and the title of Masterchef. The series has cycled between judges, challenges, and prizes throughout the years, but it maintains its popularity within the television landscape. The series regularly features celebrities and world-renowned chefs to judge, taste, and host episodes alongside the usual judges.

The series is notable for Ramsey’s hilarious anger, Bastianich’s intense persona, and Sánchez’s sweet but harsh critiques. The series has garnered worldwide recognition with international editions in places like India, France, and Brazil. It has spawned countless spinoffs including Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, a competition involving children from ages 8−13. The show is intense, dramatic, and sweet with its lovable contestants and bitter rivalries. MasterChef continues to garner millions of viewers and has been renewed for a 14th season.

Best Competitive Series Host/Judges: RuPaul, RuPaul’s Drag Race

RuPaul Andre Charles is an American television personality best known for hosting RuPaul’s Drag Race, a competition show documenting RuPaul’s search for America’s next drag superstar. He began his career in New York City’s LGBTQ+ nightclub scene and gained international fame with the release of his debut single in 1993. Dubbed the “Queen of Drag,” he’s become a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. His music, TV shows, and influential drag performances have made him a cultural icon in the entertainment industry and a major spokesperson for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation.

RuPaul’s Drag Race was a cultural monument when it first aired. Since then, it has won four Primetime Emmy Awards and been nominated four times at the Critics’ Choice Awards. RuPaul himself has won eight consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, the first drag queen to do so. He is a proud activist for LGBTQ+ rights and has normalized drag in the cultural zeitgeist. RuPaul’s Drag Race has pioneered LGBTQ+ visibility on television, revolutionizing queer representation for international audiences.

Best Social Media Content Creator: Khabane “Khaby” Lame (second nomination & first win)

Senegalese-born Italian influencer Khabane “Khaby” Lame quickly rose to fame during the terror of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the most followed star on TikTok with over 140 million followers. Known for his satirical life hack videos, Khaby worked as a CNC machine operator before getting laid off in March 2020; he then began posting videos that quickly went viral. He was listed in Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and Forbes’ 30 Under 30. He even made an appearance in the Italian dub of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and served as a judge on Italia’s Got Talent. In 2022, he was awarded the Premio la Mode Veste la Pace, an award recognized by the African Fashion Gate every year at the European Parliament.

This is his second nomination and first win at the annual AHS Awards. Khaby mostly uploads to TikTok but boasts over 80 million followers on Instagram. His comedic TikToks typically poke fun at himself and often satirize popular trends with his hyper-expressive comedic style. Aside from content creation, he was a juror at the 2022 Cannes Festival, he has a cosmetic outfit in Fortnite Battle Royale, and he currently portrays King Chrome in the popular EY3KON comic series.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

The AHS Awards also congratulate actors Denzel Washington and George Takei for taking home our Lifetime Achievement Awards. Both awards honor two POC individuals whose careers helped establish a future for POCs in the entertainment industry, Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and African American actress Ethel Waters. Washington and Takei are the second honorees to receive this award. Both actors have tribute articles memorializing their influential work in film and television.

Akira Kurosawa Film Award: Denzel Washington (Read full tribute)

Ethel Waters TV Award: George Takei (Read full tribute)