Chinese star Zhang Ziyi called on Asian filmmakers to amplify stories from the region at the 19th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong on Sunday (March 15).
The star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Grandmaster took to the stage of the Grand Theatre at Hong Kong’s Xiqu Centre to accept the excellence in Asian cinema award.
“I have spent over 20 years growing through cinema, and it has shaped every stage of my life,” she said. “I am grateful to all the directors, actors, and crew members I have worked with, and to audiences whose support continues to inspire me. Asian culture holds a profound and enduring heritage, filled with stories waiting to be told. I hope filmmakers across Asia will continue to work together to create films that express the strength and spirit of our culture.”
This year’s awards removed competitive categories and the traditional red carpet as a mark of respect, following a deadly fire last November in the Tai Po district. Instead, the ceremony focussed on honorary awards and recognising rising stars while welcoming members of the public into the audience for the first time.
The evening’s opening remarks were delivered by Asian Film Awards Academy chairman Wilfred Wong, who paid tribute to the filmmakers who bring Asian cinema onto the global stage.
Continuing its tradition of highlighting the next generation of filmmakers, former youth ambassadors Lin Min Chen and Lo Chun Yip came to the stage, before introducing this year’s ambassadors: Kent Tsai from Taiwan, Natalie Hsu from Hong Kong, and Thai actor Mean Phiravich Attachitsataporn.
As previously announced, Hong Kong actor Terrance Lau was honoured with AFAs rising star award. “People may think actors always look glamorous, but that’s because of makeup,” said the star of Trouble Girl and Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In. “In reality, we are often fragile and full of self-doubt. I’ve questioned many times whether I am a good actor. But I still believe cinema is beautiful, and I hope to be someone who continues to give back to it.”.
The AFA next generation award was presented to Chinese actor Liu Haoran – known for the blockbuster Detective Chinatown series – who reflected on his career to date.
“My 12 years as an actor have coincided with 12 years of rapid growth for Asian cinema,” he said. “Through projects like Detective Chinatown, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with many outstanding filmmakers across Asia. I will continue to work hard and hope to leave my own mark on this new era of Asian cinema.”
Ahead of the ceremony, masterclasses were hosted with Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk, acclaimed Chinese director Jia Zhangke, and actress Zhang.
No comments yet