Manny Jacinto and Randall Park to Headline CAPE’s 35th Anniversary Gala

A Milestone for Representation in Hollywood

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) is preparing for a landmark celebration. As the organization marks its 35th anniversary, it has announced that industry titans Manny Jacinto and Randall Park will serve as the primary honorees at its upcoming gala. The event, which has become a cornerstone for diversity advocacy in the entertainment industry, is scheduled to take place on October 3 in Downtown Los Angeles.

Since its inception, CAPE has played a pivotal role in championing Asian Pacific Islander (API) representation both in front of and behind the camera. By honoring figures like Jacinto and Park, the organization continues to highlight the significant impact Asian American talent has had on the global entertainment landscape, bridging the gap between grassroots advocacy and mainstream success.

Honoring Industry Pioneers

Manny Jacinto has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Hollywood, gaining widespread acclaim for his nuanced performances. From his breakout role as Jason Mendoza in the hit NBC sitcom The Good Place to his recent turn as Qimir in the Disney+ Star Wars series The Acolyte, Jacinto has proven his versatility and ability to command the screen. His recognition at the CAPE gala serves as a testament to his influence in shifting perceptions of API actors in high-profile genre projects.

Randall Park, meanwhile, is a veteran of the industry whose career spans comedy, drama, and directing. Best known for his starring role in the long-running sitcom Fresh Off the Boat and his portrayal of Agent Jimmy Woo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Park has been a vocal advocate for systemic change in Hollywood. Beyond acting, his recent work as a director—most notably on the film Shortcomings—demonstrates his commitment to telling authentic, ground-level stories that resonate with modern audiences.

An Evening of Celebration and Talent

The 35th Anniversary Gala is being presented by Lexus, a long-time supporter of CAPE’s mission to foster inclusive storytelling. The evening promises to be more than just an awards ceremony; it is designed as a celebration of the community’s collective achievements over the past three and a half decades.

Attendees can expect a dynamic program that balances serious industry discourse with high-energy entertainment. The event will be hosted by comedian and actor Asif Ali, whose breakout performance in the series Deli Boys has made him one of the most exciting voices in contemporary comedy. His hosting duties are expected to bring a fresh, witty perspective to the festivities.

Furthermore, the gala will feature a special live musical performance by the indie band Chanpan. This inclusion of musical talent underscores CAPE’s commitment to uplifting artists across various creative disciplines, not just those working in film and television.

The Future of CAPE and Industry Advocacy

As CAPE looks toward the future, the 35th anniversary serves as a reflection point. While the industry has made significant strides in representation, organizations like CAPE remain essential for ensuring that progress continues. Through initiatives like the CAPE New Writers Fellowship and the CAPE Leaders Fellowship, the group continues to cultivate the next generation of showrunners, writers, and executives.

By bringing together established stars like Jacinto and Park with emerging creators, the gala fosters a network of mentorship and collaboration. The event serves as a reminder that the path toward equitable representation is a marathon, not a sprint, and that celebrating the milestones along the way is vital for maintaining momentum.

For those within the industry, the CAPE gala is a "must-attend" event that signals the direction of cultural conversations. With the support of corporate partners and the dedicated participation of Hollywood’s most respected talent, the 35th anniversary celebration is poised to be one of the most memorable nights of the fall season.