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
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 Leave | South Korea |
| Drive My Car | Japan |
| Poet | Kazakhstan |
| Ponniyin Selvan: Part I | India |
| When The Waves Are Gone | Philippines, France, Portugal, Denmark |
Best Director | ||
| Director | Film | Country |
| KORE-EDA Hirokazu | Broker | South Korea |
| PARK Chan-wook | Decision To Leave | South Korea |
| HAMAGUCHI Ryusuke | Drive My Car | Japan |
| Darezhan OMIRBAYEV | Poet | Kazakhstan |
| Davy CHOU | Return To Seoul | France, Germany, Belgium, Cambodia |
Best Actor | ||
| Nominee | Film | Country |
| PARK Hae-il | Decision To Leave | South Korea |
| NISHIJIMA Hidetoshi | Drive My Car | Japan |
| SUZUKI Ryohei | Egoist | Japan |
| ZHANG Yi | Home Coming | China |
| Mohsen TANABANDEH | World War III | Iran |
| Tony LEUNG Chiu Wai | Where The Wind Blows | Hong Kong |
Best Actress | ||
| Nominee | Film | Country |
| Sylvia CHANG | A Light Never Goes Out | Hong Kong |
| Karena LAM | American Girl | Taiwan |
| Happy Salma | Before, Now & Then | Indonesia |
| TANG Wei | Decision To Leave | South 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/.
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Send a Tip!
Got something to share? Let us know!