Critics Choice Association honors Asian artists in inaugural event

The Critics Choice Association revealed the set of honorees for its inaugural “Celebration of Asian Pacific Cinema & Television.” The event will celebrate emerging and established artists in front of and behind the camera. It will take place on Nov. 4 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

According to Deadline, the event will highlight notable works such as Ms. Marvel, Squid Game, The Cleaning Lady, Fire Island, Pachinko, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and so many more.

“We are thrilled with the response from the studios and networks and their support in recognizing the outstanding talent from the Asian American Pacific Islander community at our inaugural Celebration,” Critics Choice Awards CEO Joey Berlin said in a statement, according to ABC7.

Kylie Mar, a Critics Choice Association member, echoes the same sentiment as Berlin. Speaking with Deadline, Mar said it is gratifying to be part of such a historic occasion.

“For a first-time event, it makes us immensely proud to showcase these films and shows and shine a light on these extraordinary individuals,” she said.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) to assist with funding a film production grant for one rising filmmaker, per the CCA website.

Here’s the list of honorees, per CCA:

Icon Award – James Hong (career achievement; Gong Gong in A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Trailblazer Award – Karyn Kusama (career achievement; work in Showtime’s Yellowjackets)

Showrunner – Soo Hugh (Apple TV+’s Pachinko)

Director (Film) – Park Chan-wook (MUBI’s Decision to Leave)

Director (Television) – Hwang Dong-hyuk (Netflix’s Squid Game)

Actress (Television) – Zoë Chao (Zoë in Apple TV+’s The Afterparty)

Actor (Film) – John Cho (Max Park in Prime Video’s Don’t Make Me Go)

Actor (Television) – Nick Mohammed (Nathan Shelley in Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso)

Breakthrough Actress (Film) – Li Jun Li (Lady Fay Zhu in Paramount Pictures’ Babylon)

Breakthrough Actress (Television) – Élodie Yung (Thony in Fox/Warner Bros. Television’s The Cleaning Lady)

Breakthrough Actor (Film) – Joel Kim Booster (Noah in Searchlight’s Fire Island)

Rising Star (Film) – Auli’i Cravalho (AJ Campos in Hulu’s Crush)

Rising Star (Television) – Park Eun-bin (Woo Young-woo in Netflix’s Extraordinary Attorney Woo)

Ensemble Award (Television) – cast of Disney+ Ms. Marvel

Social Justice Award – David Siev (IFC Films’ Bad Axe)

Animated Film Award – Domee Shi (Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red)

Congratulations to all honorees. In addition to this celebration highlighting AAPI achievements, the CCA also holds celebrations honoring Latino and Black artists.

The annual Critics Choice Awards is set to take place on Jan. 15.

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