The fourth annual Critics Choice AAPI Celebration will premiere exclusively on the AAPI-focused streaming platform JoySauce this Saturday. Directed by four-time Primetime Emmy-nominated producer Narumi Inatsugu, who serves as Chief Creative Officer at JoySauce, the celebration was produced in partnership with the Critics' Choice Association to spotlight the most impactful achievements by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander artists and creators in film and television. The event recognizes storytelling that resonates culturally and drives industry evolution, with the 2025 honoree roster featuring a distinguished range of talent and projects.
Honorees include Lucy Liu receiving the Trailblazer Award, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao receiving the Vanguard Award, director HIKARI receiving the Director Award for Rental Family, and Academy Award winner Maggie Kang receiving the Animation Award for Netflix's global sensation KPop Demon Hunters. The animated film has become one of the most-watched of the year with hundreds of millions of streams worldwide according to Netflix's viewing data available at https://www.netflix.com. Additional honorees include Ali Ahn receiving the Supporting Actress Award, Chase Sui Wonders receiving the Breakthrough Actress Award, Lukita Maxwell receiving the Rising Star Award, Shih-Ching Tsou receiving the Breakthrough Director Award, Michelle K. Sugihara receiving the Industry Leadership Award, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett receiving the Social Impact Award, and the Japanese anime phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle receiving the International Animation Award.
The celebration, held November 14, 2025 in Beverly Hills, brought together a cross-section of AAPI artists, executives, creators, and advocates for a day of recognition, conversation, and community building. Hosted by writer and co-programmer Kylie Mar, the event honored both established icons and emerging voices whose work expands representation and sets new creative benchmarks. Presenters and attendees included industry leaders and collaborators celebrating standout projects from Rosemead to Left-Handed Girl and emphasizing the achievements of AAPI talent in front of and behind the camera.
Sponsors Milagro Tequila, Julia S. Gouw, NEP Sweetwater, and FIJI Water supported the celebration, which continues to grow as a defining cultural platform for inclusive excellence. Under Inatsugu's creative leadership, the Critics' Choice AAPI Celebration has become a cornerstone moment on the awards calendar, with a fifth annual installment already confirmed for May. Inatsugu also oversees JoySauce's original content slate and overall creative direction of the channel, furthering the platform's mission to elevate underrepresented voices and champion bold storytelling.
This exclusive JoySauce broadcast marks a strategic milestone for the platform and the broader recognition of AAPI storytelling in an evolving media landscape. The event's partnership with the Critics' Choice Association, with more information available at https://www.criticschoice.com, underscores the growing institutional support for diverse narratives. By showcasing both established figures like Lucy Liu and Chloé Zhao alongside breakthrough talents, the celebration demonstrates the depth and range of AAPI contributions to entertainment. The recognition of projects spanning from mainstream Netflix hits to independent films and international anime highlights the global reach and cultural significance of these stories.
The strategic move to an exclusive streaming platform like JoySauce reflects broader shifts in media consumption and targeted content distribution. This platform alignment ensures the celebration reaches audiences specifically interested in AAPI stories and creators, amplifying its cultural impact beyond traditional broadcast models. The event's continued growth and confirmed future installments signal its establishment as a permanent fixture in the entertainment awards ecosystem, providing essential visibility for communities historically underrepresented in mainstream recognition. The combination of industry recognition, community gathering, and strategic platform partnership makes this celebration a significant barometer for progress in inclusive storytelling and representation.
