Earlier this week, the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) hosted its highly anticipated third annual RADIANCE Gala, presented by Lexus. The event, held at The Ebell of Los Angeles, was a night dedicated to celebrating the achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women and non-binary artists, cultural creators, and decision-makers who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
The RADIANCE Gala has quickly become a premier event honoring individuals whose work continues to shape Hollywood and redefine the landscape of representation. This year’s honorees reflected the diversity, talent, and resilience of the API community, ranging from actors and comedians to editors, executives, and activists.
Recognizing the 2025 RADIANCE Honorees
The 2025 RADIANCE Gala honored an incredible lineup of individuals whose work has made a meaningful impact in their respective fields. Their contributions to storytelling, advocacy, and industry transformation were highlighted in a night filled with celebration and inspiration.
Julia S. Gouw Next Gen Award: Maia Kealoha, the rising young actor starring in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, received this award in recognition of her promising talent and the bright future ahead of her in Hollywood.
Cindy Y. Huang Rising Star Award: Amber Midthunder, known for her roles in Novocaine and Opus, was honored for her growing influence in the entertainment industry. Her performances have captivated audiences, earning her a place as one of the industry’s most exciting young actors.
Trailblazer Award: Cecilia Chung, a longtime civil rights activist and the Senior Director of Strategic Projects and Evaluations at the Transgender Law Center, was recognized for her unwavering advocacy for transgender rights and healthcare access.
Behind-the-Camera Award: Aika Miyake, an Emmy Award-winning editor celebrated for her work on Shōgun, received this award for her exceptional contributions to crafting powerful narratives behind the scenes.
Uplifter Award: Daria Overby, the Executive Director of Creative Diversity at STARZ Entertainment, was honored for her efforts in fostering inclusivity and diversity within media. Her work has paved the way for more API representation in entertainment.
Comedy Award: Zarna Garg, a comedian, writer, and actor, was recognized for her contributions to comedy, particularly through her role in A Nice Indian Boy. Her humor and storytelling continue to challenge stereotypes while entertaining audiences worldwide.
Social Impact Award: CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), an organization dedicated to disaster relief and community support, was honored for its efforts in providing community-centered relief, particularly in response to wildfires affecting Los Angeles.
Lexus Luminary Award: Samantha Quan, an Academy Award-winning producer of Anora, was celebrated for her leadership and impact in the entertainment industry.
Each honoree’s journey was a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of representation, reinforcing CAPE’s mission to uplift API voices in Hollywood.
A Night of Celebration and Community
The RADIANCE Gala was hosted by the charismatic Kiran Deol, a comedian, actor, and writer, who brought energy and humor to the evening. The event’s entertainment lineup featured a mesmerizing performance by Luna Li, whose music captivated the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Closing out the evening, DJ Miss Ninja kept the energy high during the after-party, ensuring that guests left the gala on a celebratory note.
Beyond the awards and performances, the gala provided an opportunity for attendees to connect, reflect, and celebrate the strides made in API representation in Hollywood. The speeches given throughout the night were filled with gratitude, inspiration, and a call to continue advocating for greater inclusion and equity in the entertainment industry.
The Sponsors and Partners Who Made RADIANCE Possible
This spectacular event was made possible through the generous support of Lexus, the presenting sponsor, as well as CAPE’s dedicated partners and donors. Sponsors included Julia S. Gouw, Bill Imada, Cindy Y. Huang, Narumi Inatsugu, The House of Suntory, Disney, STARZ, Paramount, Asian Hall of Fame, Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Additionally, in-kind donors contributed to the evening’s success by offering unique gifts and experiences to honorees and attendees. Contributors included Hawaiian Airlines, SEAshucked, Ginsa, Narra, Yumi Sakugawa’s Cosmic Comfort Cards, Dongwon, JOYN, 626 Hospitality Group, Kola Goodies, Kikka Sushi, 50 Hertz Tingly Foods, Yina Beauty, Dagne Dover, Atria Books, Mohala Eyewear, Fire Bull Ramen, Three Gems Tea, Passion Planner, Potter Penguin Random House, Copper Cow Coffee, Unearth Malee, Kākou Collective, Better Sour, Morning is Back, and Odd One Out.
The Impact of RADIANCE and the Future of API Representation
The RADIANCE Gala once again proved to be an inspiring and empowering evening, highlighting the achievements of API women and non-binary trailblazers and setting the stage for future generations. By honoring these incredible individuals, the gala reinforced the importance of continued advocacy for diversity, representation, and storytelling that reflects the richness of API communities.
The honorees left their mark not only on the gala but also on the industry as a whole. Their work continues to inspire, challenge barriers, and pave the way for others to follow. With CAPE leading the charge, the future of API representation in Hollywood is brighter than ever.
As the curtains closed on another successful RADIANCE Gala, the entertainment industry was reminded once more of the power of celebrating diverse voices, uplifting emerging talent, and championing inclusion in every aspect of storytelling. Congratulations to all the 2025 RADIANCE Gala honorees—your contributions are shaping the future of entertainment!
For more details, visit CAPE’s website.