Asia Society Southern California’s 14th U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit and Game Changer Awards, held on February 20, 2024, reflected the growing appreciation for Asian excellence in entertainment. From movies to music, the Asia-Pacific community continues to empower and inspire through the arts. This night was dedicated to outstanding individuals who have excelled at vitalizing cultural exchange between Asia and the world.

Three-time Emmy-winning Lee Sung Jin received the first Asia Entertainment Game Changers Award of the night for his work as the creator of the Netflix series, Beef. Emmy Award-winning actor Steven Yeun praised Lee for his vanguard storytelling and creative generosity as he presented the award to the honoree. Lee acknowledged the continuous support of the Asian community that uplifted him through thick and thin.

Our next honoree was Rina Sawayama, two-time Brit Award-nominated musician and actor in the film John Wick: Chapter 4. Sawayama has influenced the music industry as an underrepresented artist who faced many hurdles throughout her career. As a Japanese-born artist in the UK, she stands as a role model for the diaspora community.

The third Game Changers of the night were Godzilla Minus One Director Takashi Yamazaki and Producer Kenji Yamada. The duo introduced by actor Masi Oka became the first in the Godzilla franchise to receive an Academy Award. Their honor recognized their innovative work creating a space for international API artists and Asian productions in Hollywood.

The cast and crew of the Emmy-nominated TV series, Warrior was our next Asia Entertainment Game Changer of the night.  The riveting TV series inspired by the writings of Bruce Lee and executive produced by Shannon Lee carries the legacy of the incomparable martial artist and captivating star. Shannon Lee and cast members Olivia Cheng, Dianne Doan, Kieran Tamondong, Chen Tang, and Rich Ting accepted the award which was presented by journalist Lisa Ling who expressed her delight, especially in following the strong and complex female characters of the show.

Our final Game Changer Award of the night went to eight-time Grammy-winning musician Anderson .Paak. .Paak was introduced by Guapdad, who delivered spirited remarks about the close relationship between the two friends. .Paak accepted his honor reflecting on the difficult path the Asian diaspora faces when it comes to recognition and talent. As a Blasian artist, .Paak stands as representation of minority groups looking to break into the music industry.

Actor Anjali Bhimani took to the stage in honor of the 2024 AWE (Asian Women Empowered) Champions, COO of Crunchyroll Gita Rebbapragada, CEO of Tetris, Maya Rogers, and Executive Director of CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) Michelle Sugihara. The tribute embraced their excellent work contributing to the mission of fostering Asian women's leadership in the industry.

Musicians Yeek and Paravi entranced the crowd with their spectacular performances. Singer-songwriter and Producer Yeek got the audience dancing in their seats with tracks  "Leave with Me" and "Feels Like I’m Flying."  Paravi, singer-songwriter and artist also performed two songs, "Suspicious Minds"(From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Elvis) and "Angry" and captivated the audience with her voice. 

Katie Soo, ASSC Chair and Asia Society Trustee capped the night with closing remarks underscoring the importance of seeing more Asian faces on center stage.

View the program book