The Critics Choice Association gathered a powerhouse slate of artists, industry leaders, and advocates on November 14, 2025, for its 4th Annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television, held at the Four Seasons Hotel.
The luncheon event highlighted standout achievements across film, television, and animation, underscoring the expanding impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander creatives throughout Hollywood.
Among impressive roster of honorees whose work has reshaped the cultural landscape:
• Lucy Liu received the Trailblazer Award for her groundbreaking career as an actor, director, and producer, presented by Dwayne Johnson.
• Chloé Zhao was honored with the Vanguard Award, recognizing her visionary directing, presented by fellow director Lee Isaac Chung..
• Michelle K. Sugihara, Executive Director & CEO of CAPE, was presented the Industry Leadership Award by Julia S. Gouw.
• Thomas Pa’a Sibbett earned the Social Impact Award for uplifting Indigenous Pacific Islander narratives, presented by Kylie Mar..
• HIKARI accepted the Director Award for her distinctive cinematic voice, presented by Brendan Fraser.
• Lukita Maxwell accepted the Rising Star Award for her role in Shrinking, presented by co-star Jason Segel..
• Maggie Kang received the Animation Award for her work on the Netflix animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters, presented by Kiyra Lynn.
• The International Animation Award was given to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – Infinity Castle.
• Ali Ahn was recognized with the Supporting Actress – Series Award for her performance in The Diplomat.
• Shih-Ching Tsou received the Breakthrough Director Award for Left-Handed Girl.
• Chase Sui Wonders was honored as Breakthrough Actress for The Studio.
Produced by Madelyn Hammond & Associates, the inspirational ceremony emphasized both achievement and momentum, reaffirming the importance of expanding AAPI inclusion across all levels of storytelling.
