AFAA Unveils Ambassadors and Youth Ambassador for the 18th Asian Film Awards
Dean FUJIOKA takes the lead as Ambassador, joined by Four Youth Ambassadors, Aokbab Chutimon, Austin LIN, LO Chun Yip, and OKADA Masaki
Here comes the annual tribute to the achievements of the thriving Asian cinematic scene. Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) founded by the Busan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo International Film Festivals, and supported by Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, the 18th Asian Film Awards (AFA18) will be held in Hong Kong for a spectacular celebration! This year, the AFAA has appointed Dean FUJIOKA(Japan) of Fullmetal Alchemist as the Ambassador of AFA18, alongside four emerging Asian stars as Youth Ambassadors (in alphabetical order by last name): Aokbab Chutimon (Thailand) of Bad Genius, Austin LIN (Taiwan) of Marry My Dead Body, LO Chun Yip (Hong Kong) of Time Still Turns the Pages, and OKADA Masaki (Japan) of Drive My Car.
The five shining stars, from different regions across Asia, bring unique cultural backgrounds, acting experiences, and styles, embodying this year’s theme, ‘Empowering Ideas Together’. They will attend the AFA ceremony and side events, meeting cinephiles to promote the rich culture of Asian cinema.
The Ambassador and the four Youth Ambassadors for the 18th Asian Film Awards shared their thoughts and feelings about taking on these roles.
FUJIOKA says, “I am honoured to be the ambassador for the 18th Asian Film Awards. Hong Kong is where I made my debut as an actor and the place where my career started. I hope to work together with everyone to make Asian cinema shine even brighter.”
Chutimon says, “I am very delighted to be the Youth Ambassador of the 18th Asian Film Awards. I cannot wait to see you all in Hong Kong. Happy New Year!”
LIN says, “Thank you to the Asian Film Awards for providing us with the opportunity to connect with filmmakers around the world and appreciate many incredible films. I am really looking forward to it!”
LO says, “It is my pleasure to be the Youth Ambassador for the 18th Asian Film Awards together with other amazing actors and actresses. I have been following their work closely and can’t wait to meet everyone in March!”
OKADA says, “It is a great honour to be chosen as the Youth Ambassador for the 18th Asian Film Awards. I am very happy to be part of this prestigious event, which brings together so many distinguished figures from the film industry.”
Introduction to the Ambassador of the AFA18
Dean FUJIOKA (Japan): Winner of Best Actor at the 12th Confidence Drama Awards for Monte Cristo: A Beautiful Revenge, where he portrayed a multi-faceted character, FUJIOKA gained early recognition across Asia with starring roles in Taiwanese dramas such as Corner with Love and Miss No Good. In 2012, he earned widespread acclaim for his performance in NHK’s Asa ga Kita, receiving the Special Award at the 88th Television Drama Academy Awards. Recently, he starred in the second season of the web drama The Victims’ Game. Beyond acting, FUJIOKA has demonstrated his all-round talent as a musician, releasing solo albums and composing theme songs for film and television projects.
Introduction to the Youth Ambassadors of the AFA18
Aokbab Chutimon (Thailand): Winner of Best Actress at the International Emmy Awards for Hunger, Chutimon made her acting debut in the record-breaking global hit Bad Genius in 2017, earning multiple newcomer accolades from the Asian Film Awards, New York Asian Film Festival, and Asia Pacific Film Festival. Starting as a model at 15, she quickly rose as one of Thailand’s brightest new talents, proving her immense potential in delivering compelling performances across genres, including the romance drama Happy Old Year and the China-Hong Kong-Thailand co-production One for the Road.
Austin LIN (Taiwan): Nominated twice for Best Actor at the 57th and 60th Golden Horse Awards for I WeirDO and Marry My Dead Body, LIN gained attention with his debut film Somewhere I Have Never Travelled, earning nominations for Best Actor and Best New Talent at the 11th Taipei Film Awards. He later won Best Supporting Actor at the 53rd Golden Horse Awards for At Café 6. As one of Taiwan’s top up-and-coming actors, he has showcased exceptional versatility in portraying complex roles, with standout performances in the firefighter series Tears on Fire and the romance series At the Moment. In 2024, he starred in the Korean film Tristes Tropiques, marking his debut in Korean cinema.
LO Chun Yip (Hong Kong): Nominated for Best Actor at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards for Time Still Turns the Pages, LO delivered a heartfelt portrayal of a high school teacher confronting his traumatic childhood. After graduating from School of Creative Media, he debuted in 2011 and appeared in a range of TV series and films, including the Hong Kong-Japan-Korea co-production The Murders of Oiso and Fagara. His performance in Suk Suk earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 39th Hong Kong Film Awards. His latest film, Montages of a Modern Motherhood, premiered at the Busan and Tokyo International Film Festivals and will be screened in 2025.
OKADA Masaki (Japan): Nominated for the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Supporting Actor, OKADA’s striking performances in Villain and Confessions showcased his ability to master contrasting characters, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. He earned multiple newcomer awards for his first leading role in Honokaa Boy, including the Japan Academy Film Prize and Blue Ribbon Awards. In 2021, he starred in the acclaimed Drive My Car, which won Best Film at the 16th Asian Film Awards and Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards, establishing himself as a talented and versatile actor.
The list of nomination and Jury President of the AFA18 will be announced on 10 January 2025. Stay tuned to the AFAA’s official website and social media platforms for the latest updates and to follow the journey of our ambassadors!
The 18th Asian Film Awards Nominations and Jury President Announcement
Date: 10 January 2025 (Friday)
Live:Asian Film Awards Academy YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/@AsianFilmAwardsAcademy)
Asian Film Awards Academy Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/AsianFilmAwardsAcademy)
Asian Film Awards Academy Instagram Account (www.instagram.com/asianfilmawardsacademy)
Asian Film Awards Academy
Asian Film Awards Academy is a non-profit organisation founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. In addition to the annual Asian Film Awards, the Academy hosts year-round events and programmes with the objectives to promote Asian films to a broader audience, expand the film market within Asia, and foster connections among film professionals in Hong Kong and beyond.
The Asian Film Awards has been held for 17 years, featuring distinguished awards such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress. The voting panel, composed of nominees and winners from previous years, participates annually in selecting the winners across all categories for the Asian Film Awards. Panel members also have the opportunity to attend events organised by the Academy across Asia and worldwide, engaging with industry professionals and audiences.
