WU Kangren Honoured with the AFA Next Generation Award!
Constantly challenging himself, breaking new ground, and redefining the future of cinema—meet him to celebrate at the awards ceremony!
The 18th Asian Film Awards officially announcing its second special award—the AFA Next Generation Award, which will be presented to renowned Asian actor WU Kangren. This award recognises outstanding Asian filmmakers who continuously challenge themselves, break new ground, and redefine the future of cinema.
WU Kangren will attend the awards ceremony in Hong Kong on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District to accept the honour. WU shared his excitement, saying, ‘I am truly grateful and delighted to receive this award. It is an important recognition of my work, and I look forward to challenging myself with new roles and bringing even better performances to audiences.”
Having spent years in the industry, WU reflected on what ‘Next Generation’ means to him. “‘New’ doesn’t just represent a younger generation of filmmakers—it also symbolizes fresh perspectives and insights. As a member of this ‘new generation,’ I have learned invaluable lessons from my predecessors, and at the same time, when working with younger talents, I am inspired by their innovative thinking. This exchange of ideas constantly challenges me and helps me grow as an actor.”
Expanding Horizons: WU Kangren’s Cross-Regional Acting Journey
Over the years, WU has worked on film and television projects across Asia, gaining insight into diverse filmmaking cultures. Speaking about the differences across regions, he shared, “Each place has its own distinct way of life, cultural traditions, and storytelling style, all of which shape its approach to filmmaking. These differences influence the themes filmmakers explore and the techniques they refine.” However, he emphasized, “Despite these differences, emotions are universal. Film, as a medium of emotional expression, has the power to bring diverse emotions to life, allowing audiences to connect and find resonance through storytelling.”
As more Taiwanese actors gain international recognition, WU reflected on how this trend is shaping Taiwan’s film industry. “For actors, having opportunities to perform on different platforms is invaluable. It allows us to collaborate with industry professionals across regions while bringing fresh energy to the scene, sparking even more creativity.”
Reaching New Heights: WU Kangren’s Rise as an Award-Winning Actor
In recent years, WU has made a remarkable impact in film. In 2023, he starred in the Malaysian film Abang Adik, portraying Abang, a deaf and undocumented migrant worker. Through his masterful use of sign language, he vividly conveyed the character’s unspoken struggles and emotional depth, delivering a performance that deeply moved audiences. His portrayal earned him Best Actor at the 60th Golden Horse Awards, marking his first win at the prestigious event.
That same year, WU took on another demanding role in the Hong Kong film Fly Me to the Moon, portraying a long-term drug-addicted father. His character’s journey spans decades—from the depths of addiction to the struggles of aging and redemption. His compelling performance earned him Best Actor at the 30th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards. Most recently, he joined the highly anticipated prequel to Cold War, a renowned Hong Kong police thriller, with audiences eagerly awaiting his performance.
A Versatile Talent: WU Kangren’s Success in Film and Television
WU made his acting debut in 2007 through a commercial opportunity. He rose to fame in 2009 with the hit drama Autumn’s Concerto, which introduced him to a wide audience. Early in his career, he won Best Actor at the Taipei Film Awards, marking the beginning of his extraordinary journey.
WU has also made a significant mark on television, winning Best Supporting Actor at the 50th Golden Bell Awards for the medical drama Wake Up, followed by Best Actor at the 51st Golden Bell Awards for his standout performance in the historical series A Touch of Green. He took on bold and unexpected roles in The World Between Us and Light the Night, impressing audiences with his versatility. Recently, his performance in Oh No! Here Comes Trouble earned him another Golden Bell Best Actor award.
Whether in film or television, WU continues to push boundaries, taking on diverse and complex roles that showcase his depth and versatility. A dynamic force in Asian cinema, his recognition with the AFA Next Generation Award is well deserved. As he continues to make his mark on the international stage, audiences eagerly anticipate his next move.
The 18th Asian Film Awards
Red Carpet and Awards Ceremony
Date: March 16, 2025 (Sunday)
Venue: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, WestK
Address: 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Screenings, In Conversations, and Other Promotional Activities
Dates: March 14 to 16, 2025
Broadcasting Partner: YouTube
The official YouTube channel of the Asian Film Awards Academy, @AsianFilmAwardsAcademy, will be streaming live from 17:00 onwards.
Official TV Broadcaster: TVB
Exclusive channel TVB Plus (Channel 82).
The 18th Asian Film Awards Official Page: https://www.afa-academy.com/awards-en/
