Lights came up at the Grand Theatre of the Xiqu Centre, WestK as filmmakers and audiences from across Asia gathered to celebrate the 19th Asian Film Awards. For the first time, the ceremony also welcomed members of the public, allowing film lovers to take part in this annual celebration of Asian cinema.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Asian Film Awards hosted three masterclasses featuring Squid Game director HWANG Dong-hyuk, acclaimed Chinese director JIA Zhangke, and renowned actress ZHANG Ziyi. From visual storytelling to character creation, the three filmmakers shared insights from their creative journeys and reflected on the evolving language of asian cinema.

The evening opened with remarks by Dr. Wilfred Wong, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy. In his speech, he paid tribute to the many filmmakers who have worked tirelessly to bring Asian cinema onto the global stage, noting that the Asian Film Awards is not only an annual ceremony but also a platform connecting filmmakers across the region. Through initiatives including masterclasses, Asian Cinerama screenings, and the International Film Camp, the Academy continues to foster exchange and nurture emerging creative talent in Asian cinema.

Continuing its tradition of highlighting the next generation of filmmakers, the Asian Film Awards also welcomed back former Youth Ambassadors LIN Min Chen and LO Chun Yip to the stage, before introducing this year’s ambassadors: Kent TSAI from Taiwan, Natalie Hsu from Hong Kong, and Thai actor Mean Phiravich ATTACHITSATAPORN. The trio shared a lively moment on stage, exchanging stories about their journeys in film. Despite coming from different places, their easy rapport reflected the power of cinema to bridge cultures and connect people across borders.

Previously announced Special Awards were presented during the ceremony. Hong Kong actor Terrance LAU received the Rising Star Award, drawing warm applause from the audience. In his speech, Terrance spoke candidly about the vulnerability behind the glamour of acting: “People may think actors always look glamorous, but that’s because of makeup. 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, who reflected on his twelve years in the industry: “I’m very honoured to receive this recognition. My twelve years as an actor have coincided with twelve years of rapid growth for Asian cinema. 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.”.

The evening culminated with the presentation of the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award to ZHANG Ziyi. Earlier that day, ZHANG had shared her creative journey with audiences during her masterclass. Returning to the stage to accept the honour, she reflected on more than two decades in film: “This is a deeply meaningful honour. I have spent over twenty years growing through cinema, and it has shaped every stage of my life. 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.”

As the evening drew to a close, the 19th Asian Film Awards celebrated not only the achievements of the past year but also the shared future of Asian cinema. Beyond the awards ceremony, this year’s programme also features a range of public events, including the Asian Cinerama screening series and In Conversation sessions with filmmakers. Audience response has been overwhelming, with many sessions already sold out and only a limited number of tickets remaining.