JoySauce, the newly launched AAPI platform, builds momentum with exclusive premiere of the industry’s defining celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander talent.
LOS ANGELES, CA, February 06, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Narumi Inatsugu, the four-time Primetime Emmy-nominated producer, director, and creative executive, has directed the 4th Annual Critics Choice AAPI Celebration, which will premiere exclusively this Saturday on JoySauce, the all-new AAPI-focused streaming platform where he serves as Chief Creative Officer. Produced in partnership with the Critics’ Choice Association, the Celebration of AAPI Cinema and Television spotlights the most impactful achievements by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander artists and creators in film and television, recognizing storytelling that both resonates culturally and drives industry evolution. The 2025 honoree roster features a distinguished range of talent and projects, including Lucy Liu (Trailblazer Award), Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao (Vanguard Award), director HIKARI (Director Award) for Rental Family, and Academy Award winner Maggie Kang (Animation Award) for Netflix’s global sensation KPop Demon Hunters, now one of the most-watched animated films of the year with hundreds of millions of streams worldwide. Additional honorees include Ali Ahn (Supporting Actress Award), Chase Sui Wonders (Breakthrough Actress Award), Lukita Maxwell (Rising Star Award), Shih-Ching Tsou (Breakthrough Director Award), Michelle K. Sugihara (Industry Leadership Award), Thomas Pa’a Sibbett (Social Impact Award), and the Japanese anime phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle (International Animation Award).
The Celebration, held November 14, 2025 in Beverly Hills, brought together a cross-section of AAPI artists, executives, creators, and advocates for a day of recognition, conversation, and community building — underscoring the breadth and depth of AAPI impact across formats and genres. Hosted by writer and co-programmer Kylie Mar, the event honored both established icons and emerging voices whose work expands representation and sets new creative benchmarks. Presenters and attendees included industry leaders and collaborators celebrating standout projects from Rosemead to Left-Handed Girl and emphasizing the achievements of AAPI talent in front of and behind the camera. Sponsors Milagro Tequila, Julia S. Gouw, NEP Sweetwater, and FIJI Water supported the Celebration, which continues to grow as a defining cultural platform for inclusive excellence.
Under Inatsugu’s creative leadership, the Critics’ Choice AAPI Celebration has become a cornerstone moment on the awards calendar, with a fifth annual installment already confirmed for May. Inatsugu also oversees JoySauce’s original content slate and overall creative of the channel, furthering the platform’s mission to elevate underrepresented voices and champion bold storytelling. This exclusive JoySauce broadcast marks a strategic milestone for the platform and the broader recognition of AAPI storytelling in an evolving media landscape.
Any media inquiries and/or interview request, please contact Tad Hamilton of Mosaic Public Relations at: tad@mosaicpr.com
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