Critics Choice Association celebrates APIs in cinema and TV

When it comes to representation in Hollywood, the API diaspora has come a long way from the early days of silent films.

We’ve gone from Anna May Wong and Sessue Hayakawa—who made names for themselves starting in the 1910s and 1920s and paved the way for the stars we see on our screens today, but were often the only actors of Asian descent, or even actors of color, on set—to API-led projects winning Oscars and taking over the zeitgeist.

And while we still have some ways to go, it’s also important to celebrate how far we’ve come. The Critics Choice Association’s 4th Annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television did just that, honoring members of the Asian Pacific entertainment community for standout performances and groundbreaking work onscreen and offscreen.

The full broadcast of the ceremony, which was held Nov. 14, 2025, will air at 7 p.m. PT on Tuesday and Saturday on JoySauce TV’s streaming channel on Amazon Prime Video.

Eleven awards were given out, recognizing actors, directors and other industry professionals for their work in entertainment.

Lucy Liu received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her nearly three decade-long career, including her latest film in which she has her first official leading role, Rosemead.

Three additional actresses were also recognized. Ali Ahn from The Diplomat received the Supporting Actress Award. Chase Sui Wonders from The Studio was recognized with the Breakthrough Actress Award. And Lukita Maxwell from Shrinking received the Rising Star Award.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which has become the highest-grossing anime film of all time, received the International Animation Award.

Four directors were also honored during the ceremony. Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao received the Vanguard Award for her latest project, Hamnet, which just won the Golden Globe for best motion picture-drama and for which Zhao has been nominated for a best director Academy Award. Hikari received the Director Award for her film Rental Family, which stars Brendan Fraser and highlights Japan’s rental family industry. Director and writer Maggie Kang received the Animation Award for KPop Demon Hunters, for which she has been nominated for a best animated feature Oscar. And debut solo director Shih-Ching Tsou received the Breakthrough Director Award for the Taiwanese film, Left-Handed Girl, which was inspired by her own life.

Finally, two recipients were recognized for their contributions to the industry beyond the screen. Michelle K. Sugihara, executive director and CEO of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) received the Industry Leadership Award for her work championing equity, access, and authentic representation for the community across Hollywood. And Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, co-creator of Chief of War, received the Social Impact Award in recognition of his work to elevate Indigenous narratives and advance authentic representation.