Michael Bezjian/WireImage.comBeing a pioneering Asian-American seemed almost secondary to being a televised toe-tapper at Wednesday night's 2008 Asian Excellence Awards.
Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba hosted the awards do with MADtv's Bobby Lee doling out honors—albeit not mirrored disco-ball-based ones—to pro Cheryl Burke and this season's frontrunner star, Kristi Yamaguchi.
Burke was honored at the ceremony as Favorite TV Personality, while gold medalist Yamaguchi received the special Inspiration Award. Dancing alum Tia Carrere was also on hand to croon two songs from her album Hawaiiana during the show.
Award magnet Ang Lee took home the top honor of the night, Outstanding Film, for his drama Lust, Caution.
Meanwhile, Quentin Tarantino was also on hand to make the Asian Excellence Awards an equal-opportunity kudosfest, presenting the special Half Asian Award to Rob Schneider.
The show will air on E! May 1. Here's a complete list of winners:
- Outstanding Film: Lust, Caution; director, Ang Lee
- Outstanding Film Actor: Tony Leung, Lust, Caution
- Outstanding Film Actress: Sharon Leal, This Christmas
- Outstanding Television Actor: B.D. Wong, Law & Order: SVU
- Outstanding Television Actress: Lindsay Price, Lipstick Jungle
- Supporting Television Actress: Sonja Sohn, The Wire
- Supporting Television Actor: Rex Lee, Entourage
- Favorite TV Personality: Cheryl Burke, Dancing with the Stars
- Favorite Reality Star: JabbaWockeeZ, America's Best Dance Crew
- Pioneer Award: Steve Chen
- Inspiration Award: Kristi Yamaguchi
- Half Asian Award: Rob Schneider