Tokyo-born actor Masi Oka, who stars in the hit NBC drama series “Heroes,” received a “Breakout Performance Award,” the first of its kind.

Chris Lee, motion picture producer and founder/director of the University of Hawaii’s Academy for Creative Media, shares a moment with actor Daniel Dae Kim, after presenting him with a “Visionary Award.”

The stars were out to shine at the East West Players 41st Anniversary Visionary Awards dinner and silent auction at the Universal Hilton on Monday, May 30..

Mistress of Ceremonies Tamlyn Tomita and Master of Ceremonies Yul Kwon, winner of season 13 of CBS’ “Survivor” series, led the program that featured musical acts, comedic duo Angeli Manhas and Ravi Patel and awards presentations by celebrated performers like ac­tor George Takei of “Heroes,” actress Amy Hill from the film “50 First Dates,” and actress Emily Kuroda of the show “Gilmore Girls.” Musical director Nathan Wang and a 15-piece orchestra including members of the Olympia Youth Orchestra provided accompaniment for the evening.

In a banquet hall filled with more than 700 attendees, a special moment was given to remembering Mako, actor and founding artistic director of East West Players, who died last year, shortly after the 40th  

This year, “Visionary Awards,” which honor those who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific com­munity through a body of work and leadership in the arts, were presented to actor Daniel Dae Kim from the ABC series, “Lost,” for his talents on screen and on stage; and the S. Mark Taper Foundation, for their commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations and a 2004 grant that funded the establishment of the S. Mark Founda­tion Endowment at East West Players.

In his acceptance speech, Kim, who appeared in the EWP productions of David Henry Hwang’s “Golden Child” (1999) and William Shakespeare’s “Tempest” (2006), noted that his success was due, in part, to support from the community.

“For one of us to succeed, it takes an entire communi­ty to raise us up on their shoulders so we can each shine,” said Kim. “I hope that when it’s your turn to shine, will be there to offer my shoulder for support.”

Before the presentation of the next award, friendly banter between Amy Hill and Rodney Kageyama turned to a playful, albeit risqué, frenzy when emcees Kwon and Tomita joined the two on stage and proceeded to rip Kwon’s shirt to shreds—revert­ing him to the shirtless stud he was on “Survivor.” later returned to the stage, his tattered shirt pitifully pieced back together and partially hidden by his coat.

It was a moment of comedic relief that epitomized the theme of the night: “Let’s Play!”

“The Rae Creevey Award,” named in honor of the Emmy Award-winning founder of West Players, was presented to longtime bartending man-of-many-hats, Mark Jue, whose dedication to the theatre company and the community at large, has included un­derstudying roles in plays, making coffee, taking out the trash and volunteering with Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, Go For Broke National Education Center and the Chinese American Museum. He is also known for his inventive drinks: Lychee Martinis, Imelda’s Tropical Temptation and Tim Dang Bangers, a tribute to EWP’s current artistic director.

“There is no better leader,” said Jue, about Dang.

He went on, much to the amusement of the audience: “How many people you know have a drink named after them? If you haven’t tried a Tim Dang Banger, then you need to get banged by Tim Dang!”

Masi Oka, who plays the manga-loving Hiro Nakamura on NBC’s hit show, “Heroes,” was awarded the first-ever “Breakout Performance Award” after a successful performance year that has drawn greater attention to the Asian Pacific American com­munity and left Oka in high demand as a performer.

“I’m honored and humbled…” said Oka, who was born in Tokyo. “I’m just a Japanese immigrant living his American dream.”

Proceeds from the evening’s silent auction benefit East West Players edu­cational and artistic programs.