Written by Erin Wen Ai Chew and James Kong. All photos and interviews conducted by James Kong.
March 25, 2025 marked the third Radiance Gala, hosted by CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) in Los Angeles. Focused on recognizing and honoring Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Women and Non-Binary artists, artisans, and leaders in entertainment, the evening was full of pride, smiles and elegance. Any event which exudes confidence, elegance and awesome juju feels is a great thing and that was the sentiments expressed at Radiance this year. Hosted by actor and comedian Kiran Deol (Didn’t Die), Radiance featured a special musical performance by singer and songwriter Luna Li with DJ Miss Ninja cranking up the energy at the post-ceremony reception.
However, before the main event got underway, those honored and those from industry in attendance strutted their awesome selves on the red carpet. With an array of unique and beautiful dresses, costumes and evening wear, the APIs in attendance demonstrated their identity and the style as they posed and took questions amongst the glitz and glamor of the night.
Canadian film producer and actress Samantha Quan (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Red Rocket, Anora) was honored with the Lexus Luminary. On the red carpet she spoke to Resonate about how it felt to receive this acknowledgement and recognition of her contributions- not just as an actor, but also behind the scenes.
For Quan, representing the people she wished she saw growing up as an Asian Canadian is a dream come true.
“When I was young, I would always search for people who were Asian and who looked like me – whether it was in the movie theaters or on television. When I grew up and started to get into acting and producing I would always have thoughts of whether there was a place for someone like me in this world,” Quan stated.
“There was a point I reached in my life and career that I thought- you know what? I am just going to do it and carve my own path, and that has led me to today and the reason I am here. It is a real honor”.
Actress Maia Kealoha (Lilo & Stitch, Moana 2) who was the recipient of the Julia S. Gouw Next Gen honor, doing works that link to her Native Hawaiian roots was what led her to finding acting as something she was passionate about. Enjoying her youth, Kealoha has learned the importance of being happy in doing what she loves and representing her identity as Native Hawaiin.
“I can’t believe I am getting this award tonight. It is a real honor and if there was a big piece of paper I would put a big honor stamp to represent who I am as a person and all the people who make me happy. I am so proud to be Native Hawaiin and I hope I can show my roots and cultural identity in the future with the work I do”.
Read more: Netflix’s ‘Revelations’ Review: ‘Train to Busan’ Director Delivers Twisted Thrills
Being a social activist and advocate for change is not something easy to do or sustain. There are many challenges ahead and it is an area where being able to persevere is of utmost importance. Civil rights, LGBT rights, HIV/Aids awareness, health advocacy and social justice leader, Cecilia Chung has experienced it all. As the first transgender woman and Asian to be elected to lead the board of directors of the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration and the first transgender woman and the first person living openly with HIV to chair the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, Chung was humble as pie in receiving the Trailblazer honor at Radiance.
She spoke about the importance of having many names attached to this honor, because with the work she does requires the support of many people who are advocating for the same cause. Chung’s life story was one of four main storylines in the 2017 ABC miniseries When We Rise about LGBT rights in the 1970s and 1980s – a very deserving trailblazer indeed.
“This honor is a privilege for me, as I think there are so many others who are deserving of this award than me. So I hope with this honor I can represent the many names of those who have fought the good fight before and alongside me. As an API transgender woman, I understand what it means to be underrepresented and discriminated against”, Chung passionately expressed.
“When we add the conversation about API representation in Hollywood, I can say that I grew up in a time where there was hardly anyone who I felt represented who I was sexually and culturally. However, things are changing, but I definitely hope the current political climate won’t push our progress backwards”.
Emmy Award – winning TV and film editor Aika Miyake (Shogun, Chef’s Table:BBQ) has been doing what she loves for over sixteen years. As someone who is always behind the camera and scenes, her name and many other names like hers are not always out in front and visible. Talking about this, Miyake paid homage to all those who are API and work behind the camera to create films, TV series, docuseries etc and bring these mediums to life.
For her, being an editor is a lifelong dream, and she hopes receiving the Behind-The-Camera honor will bring visibility to professionals like herself.
“This honor means so much for me, because as an editor we do not usually get this type of spotlight often and this award shows that people behind the camera are finally seen and recognized. I feel as an editor we are seen as shy people- those who want to work in the industry but want to be out of the limelight. You know, we need more APIs doing this work because it is one which is fulfilling and holds so much more meaning than just being in the spotlight”, Miyake discussed.
“I hope that being recognized and honored will mean that more APIs of all walks will see this as a career path”.
Lastly, some words of wisdom about how APIs can contribute to changing the narratives about being Asian in America. With the current political climate, it is more than ever important that APIs find ways they can be seen, heard and do things which change the status and empower the communities as a whole. Malaysian American screenwriter and film producer Adele Lim (Joy Ride, Crazy Rich Asians, Raya and the Last Dragon), offered some of her words of wisdom on this issue, as someone who is successful in what she does but has also faced setbacks and obstacles as an Asian woman in Hollywood.
“Right now all we can do is take care of our own community and make sure that we are telling our own stories, making our communities feel safe and ensure our voices are being heard. Being here and showing up for our API community, supporting the voices of marginalized communities is now more important than ever, because society in the current political climate is not rooting for us and our success”.
“This country continues to remind us that we do not belong here even though we do. We are the American dream and this is shown by all the APIs who have marched forward before us. Through storytelling, we can amplify voices and I hope the movement for more representation and visibility in Hollywood can continue and grow with more influence”, Lim expressed.
A great night indeed! And one which creates solidarity, unity and celebration about the achievements of AAPIs in all facets related to advocacy and Hollywood. Other honorees at Radiance included actress Amber Midthunder (Novocaine, Prey, Avatar: The Last Airbender) who received the Cindy Y. Huang Rising Star Award, Comedian and screenwriter Zarna Garg (A Nice Indian Boy) who received the Comedy Award, Executive Director of for Creative Diversity and Inclusion at STARZ Daria Overby who was the recipient of the Uplifter Award, Ann Lee (CEO/Co-Founder, CORE) and Tiffany Tse (VP Development, CORE) who received the Social Impact Award and the APIs in the crew behind Disney’s Moana 2 received the Best in Film Award.
