New Friends New Life (NFNL) is proud to announce that acclaimed actress, director, producer, and artist Lucy Liu will headline its annual luncheon on Friday, September 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the OMNI Dallas Hotel. A tireless advocate for human rights, Liu is committed to raising awareness about this global crisis, especially its devastating impact on children. Liu’s distinguished career spans over three decades, during which she has starred in films that have collectively grossed more than $3.7 billion worldwide. Known for her iconic roles in Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill and Presence and Chicago, Liu continues to redefine what it means to be a leading woman in Hollywood. She is also a pioneering force in television with standout series like Ally McBeal, Elementary, Why Women Kill, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Star Wars: Visions.
In addition to her acting, Liu is an accomplished filmmaker and advocate. Her directorial debut, the documentary short Meena (2014), brought attention to the critical issue of human trafficking. As a producer, Liu has championed projects such as Freedom’s Fury and Redlight, a film about the Cambodian sex trade. Liu has also used her platform to educate others on human trafficking through speaking engagements and advocacy work with UNICEF.
“We are thrilled to have Lucy Liu as our keynote speaker for this year’s luncheon,” said Bianca Davis, CEO of New Friends New Life. “Her dedication to raising awareness about human trafficking and her powerful call to action is an inspiration. Lucy’s belief that ‘the last link in the trafficking chain is you and me’ reminds us all that each of us has a role to play in ending this global issue.”
Liu’s career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including her recent recognition with the Career Achievement Award at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival, where she also presented the international premiere of her film Rosemead. Earlier this summer, she received the prestigious Rising to the Challenge Award at the Bentonville Film Festival, honoring her continued advocacy for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her acting and advocacy, Liu is a celebrated visual artist. Her mixed-media paintings and sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the National Museum of Singapore and the Napa Valley Museum. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Harvard University Arts Medal. Liu’s art practice remains a consistent part of her career, with upcoming commissions from the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Liu’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where she became only the second Asian American woman in nearly 60 years to receive the honor. A UNICEF Ambassador for over two decades, Liu has also been recognized with humanitarian awards such as the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award and the Women’s World Award.
Liu’s latest projects include starring in the upcoming drama Rosemead (2025), which she also produced, and which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025.
Luncheon co-chairs are NFNL Board Member Lynn Dowdle and NFNL Circle of Friends Board Member Karla Smith. Underwriting sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500. A limited number of individual tickets will be released in August and will begin at $250 each. To reserve your sponsorship or seats, please visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org/luncheon, email events@newfriendsnewlife.org, or contact Chief Development Officer Priya Murphy at 214-217-8652.
