CAPE 35th Anniversary Gala Honors Kitao Sakurai, Jinny Howe…

The Los Angeles event, backed by Lexus, will spotlight video‑game writer Kitao Sakurai, Netflix’s Jinny Howe and the women of HBO Max’s The Pitt.

Los Angeles – The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) is set to roll out its 35th anniversary gala this Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Los Angeles — a night that promises a parade of recognitions across film, TV and gaming. Backed by Lexus and supported by a roster of studios, the event will spotlight a mix of veteran creators and rising talent, all gathered under one roof to celebrate a community that’s been shaping Hollywood for three and a half decades.

Who’s being honoured

Kitao Sakurai, the writer‑director behind the 2024 Street Fighter film, will receive the Visionary Award. His win comes just weeks before the release of his upcoming video‑game adaptation starring Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji and Jason Momoa. The accolade highlights Sakurai’s eclectic résumé that spans comedy sketches on The Eric Andre Show to the gritty drama Beef.

Netflix’s Jinny Howe, the head of scripted series for the U.S. And Canada, is slated for the Decision Maker Award. Howe’s influence stretches across a string of global hits – from the period romance Bridgerton to the espionage thriller The Night Agent. The honor recognises her role in steering the streamer toward stories that resonate across cultures.

The women of HBO Max’s The Pitt will collectively accept a Radiance Award, presented to executive producer Simran Baidwan. The series has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of Asian and Pacific Islander women and non‑binary talent, both on‑screen and behind the scenes. Cast members are expected to join Baidwan onstage, underscoring the collaborative spirit the award celebrates.

Other notable honourees include Ben Wang, who will pick up the Rising Star Award ahead of the next Hunger Games instalment, and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Kalikolehua Hurley, who receives a Changemaker Award for infusing cultural authenticity into blockbusters like Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon.

The presenter line‑up reads like a who’s‑who of contemporary Asian‑Pacific talent: Auliʻi Cravalho, Nisha Ganatra, Ali Ahn, Sherry Cola, Lilly Singh and Callina Liang will each hand out trophies to their peers. The after‑party will feature a set by indie band Chanpan and a turn by DJ Demonslayer.

“In this time of industry contraction and budgetary cuts, we are excited to have a moment to celebrate the achievements of our community both behind and in front of the camera,” said CAPE executive director and CEO Michelle K. Sugihara. Her remarks echo a broader sentiment that, despite tightening purse strings, the Asian‑Pacific diaspora continues to punch above its weight in Hollywood.

The gala marks CAPE’s first anniversary celebration in a decade. The organisation traditionally hosts a milestone event every five years, but the pandemic forced a pause. This year’s gathering is bolstered by a slate of sponsors that includes Sony Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios and the Walt Disney Company, alongside lifestyle partners like Martell Cognac and Suntory Global Spirits.

Fans and industry watchers have taken to social media, noting the significance of seeing both creative and executive leaders sharing the stage. The blend of on‑screen talent, behind‑the‑scenes architects and corporate decision‑makers points to CAPE’s mission to highlight the full spectrum of Asian‑Pacific contributions to entertainment.

As the curtain rises on Oct. 3, all eyes will be on how the night’s accolades translate into momentum for upcoming projects – especially Sakurai’s game adaptation, slated for a mid‑October release, and Howe’s next slate of Netflix originals. The gala may well set the tone for a year where representation continues to move from tokenism to central storytelling.

The event runs until late night, with a post‑gala reception that promises networking opportunities for emerging creators. For those tracking the pulse of Asian‑Pacific influence in Hollywood, the CAPE anniversary is the benchmark to watch.