CAPE Honors Asian and Pacific Islander Entertainment Leaders at 35th Anniversary Celebration

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment held its 35th anniversary gala in downtown Los Angeles, celebrating advances in representation for Asian and Pacific Islander communities in film, television, and media. The event honored numerous industry figures including actors Randall Park and Manny Jacinto, as well as the cast and crew of the series 'The Pitt,' while recognizing leaders working to break through historical barriers and stereotypes. Founded in 1991, CAPE continues to advocate for greater visibility and lead roles that reflect diverse experiences within the entertainment industry.

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment traces its origins to 1991, when three industry professionals—publicist Fritz Friedman, television producer Wenda Fong, and film producer Chris Lee—convened informally at a Beverly Hills hotel to address systemic barriers facing Asian American and Pacific Islander talent. Their grassroots effort aimed to counter decades of stereotypical portrayals and severe underrepresentation in major media productions. The Saturday gala at a repurposed 19th-century cathedral in downtown Los Angeles served as both retrospective and celebration of emerging leadership within the community.

Among the evening's honorees were established and rising figures: actor Randall Park, who recently transitioned into feature film directing; Manny Jacinto; and the creative team behind the Emmy-winning series "The Pitt." Leadership representatives from major studios, including Disney Animation and scripted television divisions, also received recognition, signaling broader institutional shifts toward greater inclusion across production and executive roles.