Food critic and digital creator Keith Lee was named Creator of the Year at the inaugural TikTok Awards held in the United States on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Hollywood Palladium.
The event marked TikTok’s first major U.S. awards ceremony, celebrating the platform’s most impactful creators across culture, entertainment, education, and community engagement.
Hosted by lifestyle influencer La La Anthony, the awards show, themed New Era, New Icons, honored creators who have defined the year on the platform. Lee emerged as the night’s biggest winner, receiving the top distinction in front of a packed crowd and a livestream audience on TikTok and Tubi.
At 29 years old, Lee has become one of TikTok’s most influential voices, amassing millions of followers with his candid food reviews and community-focused content. Rather than chasing trends, Lee’s videos often spotlight independently owned restaurants and small businesses, driving real-world foot traffic and sparking cultural moments around local cuisine.
“It’s hard to do something for myself, because I always put other people in front of me, but this is for me,” Lee said during his emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on his journey on the platform and beyond. He credited his wife, Ronni, for encouraging him to start posting content that ultimately ignited his rise.
Lee acknowledged how TikTok provided him a stage to amplify the voices and stories of small businesses nationwide, a mission that has become central to his brand. “TikTok provided me a platform to be able to show small businesses around the country,” he said.
In a gesture that mirrored Lee’s community-oriented ethos, TikTok announced a $50,000 donation to Feeding America in his honor, further tying his award to philanthropic impact.
The ceremony also featured standout performances and recognitions from across TikTok’s creative landscape. Grammy-winning artist Ciara took the stage for a lively performance celebrating her viral influence on the platform, while other creators, including Love Island USA personality Jeremiah Brown and sports commentator Mariah Rose, earned honors in their respective categories.
Photo Credit: Instagram – Keith_Lee125
