Asian Film Awards

March 12, 2023

The Asian Film Awards is one of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society flagship events, a fairly new programme launched in 2007 but is gradually gaining prominence in the film making industry. It originated in Hong Kong, but is held in different Asian locations such as Busan and Macao, to reflect its reach across the region. This year, it celebrates the 16th edition.

Presenters at the 9th Asian Film Awards Ceremony
Presenters at the 9th Asian Film Awards Ceremony

The awards recognize achievements in cinematography and is open to films produced and released in the Asian Region. The Asian Film Awards are not to be confused with the Hong Kong Film Awards which have been around for over 30 years and is open to Hong Kong films only.

Awards are presented in sixteen different categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Actress, etc. these are the "Oscars" of Asia.

It is certainly a glittery evening with prominent local and international stars, which over the years has included Jet Li, Andy Lau, Oliver Stone and Donatella Versace.

Attendance is of course by invitation only, but us commoners can catch a peek of our favourite celebrities as they arrive at the Red Carpet prior to the Awards ceremony which takes place in Hong Kong, in next door Macau or as in last year's presentation in Busan. It is expected that in the future the awards could be staged in other Asian cities.

Submission for nomination opens in November, nominated films are announced in January, and the winning entries are announced at the Awards ceremony in March or April.

So here's a peek at this year's nominations so you have an idea of who is likely to walk down the Red Carpet! Enjoy!

2023 Asian Film Awards Nomination List

The 2023 ceremony of 16th Asian Film Awards:

Where? Hong Kong Jockey Club Auditorium at the Hong Kong Palace Museum

When? March 12, 2023

30 films from 22 regions and countries have been shortlisted for 81 nominations to compete for 16 awards at the 16th Asian Film Awards. The prestigious line up of nominees from around Asia includes five Hong Kong films including Where the Wind Blows, Anita, A Light Never Goes Out, Warriors of Future and The Sparring Partner.

Best Film

Film Country
Decision To LeaveSouth Korea
Drive My CarJapan
PoetKazakhstan
Ponniyin Selvan: Part IIndia
When The Waves Are GonePhilippines, France, Portugal, Denmark

Best Director

Director FilmCountry
KORE-EDA HirokazuBrokerSouth Korea
PARK Chan-wookDecision To LeaveSouth Korea
HAMAGUCHI RyusukeDrive My CarJapan
Darezhan OMIRBAYEVPoetKazakhstan
Davy CHOUReturn To SeoulFrance, Germany, Belgium, Cambodia

Best Actor

Nominee FilmCountry
PARK Hae-ilDecision To LeaveSouth Korea
NISHIJIMA HidetoshiDrive My Car Japan
SUZUKI RyoheiEgoistJapan
ZHANG YiHome ComingChina
Mohsen TANABANDEHWorld War IIIIran
Tony LEUNG Chiu WaiWhere The Wind BlowsHong Kong

Best Actress

Nominee FilmCountry
Sylvia CHANGA Light Never Goes OutHong Kong
Karena LAMAmerican GirlTaiwan
Happy SalmaBefore, Now & Then Indonesia
TANG WeiDecision To LeaveSouth Korea
BAISHO Chieko Plan 75 Japan

For nominations in the remaining categories:

  • Best New Director
  • Best Newcomer
  • Best Supporting Actor
  • Best Supporting Actress
  • Best Screenwriter
  • Best Cinematographer
  • Best Production Designer
  • Best Original Music
  • Best Editor
  • Best Visual Effects
  • Best Costume Designer
  • Best Sound

...and more information, check out the official website at www.afa-academy.com/.

Asian Film Award Trophy

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