---
title: "‘Street Fighter’ Filmmaker Kitao Sakurai, Netflix’s Jinny Howe and Women of ‘The Pitt’ Set as Honorees for Milestone CAPE Gala"
description: "Presented by Lexus, the Oct. 3 gala will also honor actor Ben Wang and Walt Disney Animation Studios' Kalikolehua Hurley and feature presenters Auliʻi Cravalho, Nisha Ganatra, Ali Ahn, Sherry Cola, Lilly Singh and Callina Liang."
author: "Chris Gardner"
section: veterans-in-hollywood
published: 2026-10-03T13:30:02.198002+00:00
canonical: https://valorandventures.media/article/c57d9f71-3c80-495e-95e9-76637e43cd28
publisher: "Valor & Ventures Media"
source: "Hollywood Reporter"
source_url: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/cape-anniversary-gala-2026-honorees-presenters-1236713636/
access: free
---

# ‘Street Fighter’ Filmmaker Kitao Sakurai, Netflix’s Jinny Howe and Women of ‘The Pitt’ Set as Honorees for Milestone CAPE Gala

*Presented by Lexus, the Oct. 3 gala will also honor actor Ben Wang and Walt Disney Animation Studios' Kalikolehua Hurley and feature presenters Auliʻi Cravalho, Nisha Ganatra, Ali Ahn, Sherry Cola, Lilly Singh and Callina Liang.*

## Executive Summary

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment is preparing for its landmark anniversary celebration, scheduled to take place on October 3. According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming gala, which is being sponsored by the luxury automotive brand Lexus, will recognize several prominent entertainment figures for their contributions to cultural representation in media. The event serves as a high-profile gathering that highlights the growing influence of Asian and Pacific Islander professionals across major Hollywood studios, digital networks, and streaming platforms. Among the individuals slated for recognition at the ceremony is the director of the upcoming "Street Fighter" movie adaptation, Kitao Sakurai. The trade publication notes that Jinny Howe, a prominent executive who oversees drama development at Netflix, is also on the roster of honorees. Additionally, the event will shine a spotlight on the female creative force behind the new drama series "The Pitt." These accolades reflect a broader industry shift toward recognizing leadership and creative vision among diverse storytellers who are shaping modern global entertainment. The celebration will also pay tribute to other rising and established industry professionals who are making a significant impact on contemporary media. Young actor Ben Wang is set to be honored, alongside Kalikolehua Hurley, who spearheads cultural representation and advocacy efforts at the animation division of Walt Disney Studios. To present these awards, the organizers have assembled a diverse array of notable talent from various sectors of show business. The presenter lineup includes actress Auliʻi Cravalho and director Nisha Ganatra, alongside screen star Ali Ahn. Comedian Sherry Cola, media personality Lilly Singh, and actress Callina Liang are also scheduled to take the stage during the ceremony. By bringing together such a wide spectrum of creative professionals, the event underscores the collective momentum of underrepresented voices in the entertainment capital of the world. For business leaders, startup founders, and executives within the Valor & Ventures Media community, this landmark gathering represents more than just a typical Hollywood awards night. It underscores the strategic business value of diverse leadership and cultural authenticity in modern media enterprises. As major global brands like Lexus align themselves with these milestone events, it becomes increasingly clear that representative storytelling is a powerful driver of commercial success, market reach, and brand loyalty. Observing how these creative leaders navigate legacy networks and streaming giants offers valuable lessons for any executive looking to foster innovation, build inclusive cultures, and engage modern global audiences.

## Article

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Chris Gardner · Hollywood Reporter

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Originally published by Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/cape-anniversary-gala-2026-honorees-presenters-1236713636/