The 17th Asian Film Awards, scheduled for March 10 at the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Xiqu Centre, proudly announces the winners of this year’s Excellence in Asian Cinema Award. This prestigious award aims to recognize actors for their remarkable achievements including their versatility in a wide range of roles and genres. Following the earlier announcement of renowned Korean actress LEE Young-ae, the Asian Film Awards Academy has now revealed the other awardee to be Japanese film and television actor SUZUKI Ryohei. SUZUKI has left an indelible mark in Asian cinema with nearly two decades on screen and over 30 film credits as an actor. Upon receiving this award, SUZUKI said, “I am deeply honored by this recognition bestowed upon me by the Asian Film Awards. It will fuel my motivation to strive for greater heights and contribute more to the industry. I am also eagerly looking forward to attending the 17th Asian Film Awards ceremony in Hong Kong where I can connect with audiences and fellow film professionals from across Asia.”

SUZUKI Ryohei began acting at 18 in a student theatre and took courses at the Actors’ Clinic Tokyo. After his film debut in MORITA Yoshimitsu’s Tsubaki Sanjuro (2007), Ryohei took his first leading role on the silver screen in Swing Me Again (2009), before making a significant breakthrough with the comedy feature HK: Hentai Kamen (2013), in which he played the comedic superhero with exaggerated expressions, and appeared nearly naked throughout the film. In 2022, he won five Best Supporting Actor awards, including Japan Academy Prize, for his terror-stricken performance as a sadistic murderer yakuza in The Blood of Wolves II (2021).

In 2023, Ryohei played the lead in two films, Tokyo MER and Egoist, both brought him tremendous success. The former has marked an enormous box office hit, and the latter brought him four domestic Best Actor awards, a Rising Star award at the New York Asian Film Festival, and an Asian Film Awards Best Actor nomination. His nuanced and emotionally profound portrayal of a gay man in Egoist, and his statements regarding same-sex marriage and the society’s prejudice against sexual minorities earn him tremendous support from the LGBTQ+ community in Japan.

Ryohei is well known for his dedication to his roles. He often make lifestyle adjustments and even transforms his physical appearance to fully immerse himself in his roles. The cast and crew who have worked with him have praised his commitments, and his professionalism has inspired the production team and fellow actors to be even more desiccated in their work and performance.  He was elected as “Japan’s best actor in their 30s” at a web survey held in 2023. Ryohei’s highly anticipated new project is the Netflix comedy action City Hunter, a live-action of a legendary manga from the 1980s, which will be streamed in coming April.

SUZUKI Ryohei has confirmed his attendance at the 17th Asian Film Awards ceremony to personally accept the award. Mr. ANDO Hiroyasu, Chairman of the Tokyo International Film Festival, remarked: “ANDO Hiroyasu, Chairman of TIFF, remarked about the actor: “Mr. Suzuki Ryohei has made remarkable achievements in a range of fields, including film, theater, and television. I have long followed his work and been impressed by his remarkable ability to portray diverse characters convincingly, so I am delighted that he is being recognized overseas with this award. I hope this will be an opportunity for him to further enhance his skills and make even greater strides internationally.”

The 17th Asian Film Awards – Exclusive interview with SUZUKI Ryohei

How does it feel to receive the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award and be recognized for your contributions to the film industry?

It’s an extraordinary honor. I take this as an encouragement to work even harder. I look forward to making films with great filmmakers from all over Asia soon.

Throughout your career, you have portrayed a wide range of characters. Is there a particular role that you feel has had a significant impact on your growth as an actor?

“The Blood of Wolves II (Koro no Chi: Level2)! It was a fruitful process to seek the backgrounds and justification of such a brutal villain. “HK Hentai Kamen” was a silly (in a good way) comedy, but I learned so many fundamental factors as an actor from playing that role.

Are there any upcoming projects or roles that you are particularly excited about and would like to share with the audience?

Netflix film “City Hunter” will start streaming on April 25. A live-action of a legendary manga and anime from the 80s and 90s. A Japanese comedy version of 007. I’m sure the audience throughout Asia will enjoy it very much.

What qualities do you think actors need to possess in order to deliver outstanding performances?

Passion for acting and hard work to embody it.

Most of the films you have participated in are Japanese productions. Would you consider participating in productions from other Asian regions?

I’ve always been passionate about working with great talents outside Japan. I’m currently developing several projects with filmmakers from other Asian regions.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are looking to make a name for themselves in the Asian film industry?

Do not compete with the people around you. Compete with the people in your favorite films. Devote yourself both to art and your everyday life.