9th Asian Film Awards Winners

The 9th Asian Film Awards (AFA) ceremony was held at The Venetian Macao last night, commemorating another year of excellence in Asian cinema. The 9th AFA was jointly organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), and its constituent partners – Busan Film Festival, Tokyo Film Festival and Hong Kong Film Festival.

Hong Kong pop star, and breakout actress Ivana Wong opened the 9th AFA ceremony with a heartfelt singing performance. Later, South Korean band Infinite entertained guests with an energetic musical set, which was then followed by loud applause from their dedicated fans.

Overall, Mainland China’s films stole the show, winning awards in 10 categories out of 14, including 3 out of the 4 major accolades. This year’s coveted Best Film Award went to Blind Massage. Other major winners this year include Ann Hui who took home the Best Director award for The Golden Era. Liao Fan beat out other nominees for the Best Actor Award for his role in Black Coal, Thin Ice. However, it was South Korean Bae Doo-na who was awarded Best Actress for her stunning performance in A Girl At My Door.

Upon receiving the Best Actor Award, Liao Fan delivered a short but meaningful speech, thanking his fellow cast members and crew, stating, “I am only receiving this award thanks to all of their support.”

The “Godfather of Korean Cinema,” revered Director Im Kwon-taek, received top honors, earning the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to Korean Cinema throughout his over 50 year career.

Japanese Actress Nakatani Miki was also recognized this year, securing the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award in honor of her diverse, multi-award winning career. Upon accepting her award, she vouched for unity between mankind, sharing the profound thought, “I believe that there are still many messages that we are able to convey through movies. I would like to take this opportunity to express my hope that even between nations with political differences we can gain a better understanding of each other through the shared language of film.”

Best Film: 推拿 Tui Na (Blind Massage), Lou Ye, China and France
Best Director: Ann Hui for 黄金时代 Huang jin shi dai (The Golden Era), Hong Kong and China

Best Actress: Bae Doo-na in 도희야 Dohee-ya (A Girl At My Door), July Jung, Korea
Best Supporting Actress: Ikewaki Chizuru in そこのみにて光輝く Soko nomi nite hikari kagayaku (The Light Shines Only There), Mipo Oh, Japan
Best Actor: Liao Fan in白日焰火 Bai ri yan huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice), Yi'nan Diao, China
Best Supporting Actor: Wang Zhiwen in 黄金时代 Huang jin shi dai (The Golden Era), Ann Hui, Hong Kong and China
Best Newcomer: Zhang Huiwen in 归来 Gui lai (Coming Home), Zhang Yimou, China

Best Screenwriter: Diao Yinan for 白日焰火 Bai ri yan huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice), Yi'nan Diao, China
Best Cinematographer: Zeng Jian for 推拿 Tui Na (Blind Massage), Lou Ye, China and France
Best Production Designer: Liu Qing for 一步之遥 Yi Bu Zhi Yao (Gone with the Bullets), Wen Jiang, China, USA and Hong Kong
Best Composer: Mikey McCleary for Margarita, with a Straw, Shonali Bose and Nilesh Maniyar, India
Best Editor: Gareth Evans for The Raid 2: Berandal (The Raid 2), Gareth Evans, Indonesia and USA
Best Visual Effects: Rick Sander and Christoph Zollinger for 一步之遥 Yi Bu Zhi Yao (Gone with the Bullets), Wen Jiang, China, USA and Hong Kong
Best Costume Designer: William Chang Suk Ping for 一步之遥 Yi Bu Zhi Yao (Gone with the Bullets), Wen Jiang, China, USA and Hong Kong

To check award winners at official site go here.