The Critics Choice Association (CCA) hosted its 4th annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. More than an awards luncheon, the event served as a moving reminder of the collective power and artistry of the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) creative community, a community that continues to expand the lens through which its stories are told and understood.
Hosted by Kylie Mar, the afternoon gathered artists, executives, and advocates in a space where hierarchy seemed to disappear. Whether you were press, talent, or somewhere in between, it felt like family. The energy in the room carried an unspoken understanding of what it means to work for representation.
This year’s honorees represented a remarkable cross-section of creativity and leadership. Ali Ahn (Supporting Actress Award for Series), Chase Sui Wonders (Breakthrough Actress Award), Chloé Zhao (Vanguard Award), HIKARI (Director Award), Lucy Liu (Trailblazer Award), Lukita Maxwell (Rising Star Award), Maggie Kang (Animation Award), Michelle K. Sugihara (Industry Leadership Award), Shih-Ching Tsou (Breakthrough Director Award), “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” (International Animation Award), and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett (Social Impact Award) were recognized for their contributions to film and television. Presenters included Brendan Fraser, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Segel, Jazz Tangcay, Lee Isaac Chung, and Julia S. Gouw, with guests like Janet Yang, EJAE, Mari Yamamoto, Lawrence Shou, and Anthony H. Nguyen in attendance.
The event also celebrated 2025’s standout AAPI projects, including “Rental Family,” “Left Handed Girl,” “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” and “Rosemead.” The latter offered a fitting occasion to honor Lucy Liu, whose career continues to open doors for artists across generations. Despite over a hundred acting credits, “Rosemead” represents the first time she sits on top of the call sheet, a further a reflection of why events like this need to exist. Seated near the stage, Liu’s quiet presence anchored the room as many honorees acknowledged her influence.
Accepting the Trailblazer Award from former costar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Liu spoke with grace and gratitude. “I am here because of trailblazers like Anna May Wong, James Hong, Connie Chung, Joan Chen, Judy Wong, and Janet Yang, who is here today,” she said. “Rosemead was made by members of our own community who were determined to tell our stories with unpolished honesty and the complexity of being human. I accept this award not as an arrival, but as a reminder to keep fearlessly creating, so that our stories are not seen as a risk, but as a reflection of our world.”
Ali Ahn, honored for her work in “The Diplomat,” reflected on her family’s journey with warmth and humor. “I grew up hearing stories my grandparents told me of occupation, family separations, political violence,” she said. “And I chose to honor the courage and sacrifices of my ancestors by joining the circus,” she joked, drawing laughter before her tone softened. “I can never repay my parents for the opportunities they’ve given me. I hope I made you proud. Whatever compliments I’ve received in my life are because of how you raised me.”
Chase Sui Wonders, recipient of the Breakthrough Actress Award for “The Studio,” spoke to the deep sense of camaraderie within the AAPI creative community. “This is a community full of so much incredible talent,” she said. “And this community has shown up for me so many times throughout my career, back when they had no business showing up for me. There’s this general desire for each other to crush, which can be rare in this business.”
One of the sweetest moments came when Jason Segel presented the Rising Star Award to his “Shrinking” co-star Lukita Maxwell. Smiling through tears, Maxwell thanked her mentor with a heartfelt sincerity that summed up the night’s tone. “If my heart is a star, then I hope to be a light that beams like you and shines like you always,” she said. “You’re so warm and opened doors to so many artists. I’m accepting this as a responsibility of continuing the work. All of you in this room open so many doors just by doing what you love to do. Let’s keep making beautiful stories.”
Moments like that put the night in focus, a reminder that representation flourishes when the AAPI community and its allies work together to create opportunity.
The ceremony ended with what became the evening’s most emotional moment, as Chloé Zhao accepted the Vanguard Award. Known for her quiet filmmaking and poetic storytelling, Zhao spoke with disarming honesty about her relationship with belonging. “I have always been on my own,” she said softly. “I’ve survived on my own at a very young age, and I’ve always been surviving on my own. And I’m afraid to belong to a community, because when you’re rejected by the community, it will be the most painful thing in the world. Sometimes being alone is easier.” She paused, looking out into the room. “Tonight, this is the first time I’ve truly felt part of one.”
The ballroom fell silent for several seconds before rising into applause. In that quiet moment, Zhao’s vulnerability, juxtaposed with her creative mastery, became a symbol of the strength and tenderness that defines the AAPI community itself.
Supported by partners Milagro Tequila, Julia S. Gouw, NEP Sweetwater, and FIJI Water, and produced in collaboration with JoySauce as the exclusive broadcaster, the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television continues to expand in both reach and resonance.
