Trailblazers and Vanguard: Recap of the 4th Annual Critics Choice AAPI Celebration
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) hosted its 4th Annual Celebration of Asian Pacific Cinema & Television on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. The star-studded event, hosted by CCA member Kylie Mar, was a powerful night dedicated to honoring the groundbreaking work and exceptional talent within the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) entertainment community.
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
The gala shined a light on artists who are pushing boundaries and creating space for authentic AAPI voices in Hollywood. The event brought together industry heavyweights, including Dwayne Johnson, who presented the Trailblazer Award to his former co-star Lucy Liu.
The honorees at the event included Lucy Liu (Trailblazer Award), recognized for her extensive career and impact. Director Chloé Zhao received the Vanguard Award for her work on Hamnet, while HIKARI was presented with the Director Award. Acting awards went to Chase Sui Wonders (Breakthrough Actress) for The Studio, Lukita Maxwell (Rising Star) for Shrinking, and Ali Ahn (Supporting Actress) for The Diplomat. Thomas Pa'a Sibbett received the Social Impact Award for his work on Chief of War, focusing on Indigenous narratives, and Michelle K. Sugihara was honored with the Industry Leadership Award for her advocacy with CAPE.
Host Kylie Mar highlighted the event's purpose: "This celebration is about honoring the artists who continue to push boundaries, tell authentic stories, and create space for greater visibility of AAPI voices in film and television".
The celebration was produced by Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante and supported by sponsors such as Delta Air Lines, IMDbPro, and STARZ #TakeTheLead
A standout moment was Dwayne Johnson presenting the prestigious Trailblazer Award to Lucy Liu, his co-star in the upcoming film Red One. Their warm rapport was evident, adding a personal touch to the high-profile award. In her acceptance speech, Lucy Liu reflected on the honor and the progress made by AAPI artists. She mentioned that her latest film, Rosemead, was made possible by members of the AAPI community and expressed that her award was a "reminder to keep fearlessly creating so that our stories are not seen as a risk but as a reflection of the world itself".
Jason Segel showed significant support and "so much love" for his Shrinking co-star Lukita Maxwell as she accepted her Rising Star Award, highlighting the supportive atmosphere of the event.
Director HIKARI, who won the Director Award for her film Rental Family, also gave a moving speech about the journey of Asian artists in the industry, emphasizing the need for continued expansion of what AAPI individuals can achieve and resisting limitations imposed by others.
The event as a whole focused on the power of authentic storytelling and visibility. Host Kylie Mar encapsulated the evening's spirit, stating that each honoree "reminds us how powerful representation can be when it's rooted in truth and creativity"
The gala was marked by a feeling of "belonging" and collective rising within the AAPI community in Hollywood, as shared by Lucy Liu