Asian Film Awards: Louis Koo wins first award
AFTER several nominations over his long and illustrious career, Louis Koo finally won his first award at the 12thAsian Film Awards held in Macau Saturday.
The most prolific actor in Hong Kong cinema was named best actor for his performance in action film ‘Paradox’. Upon accepting the award, Koo recalled his father’s words of “being grateful doesn’t mean I have to speak about it all the time” when receiving the award at the gala ceremony. He added that he felt mixed emotions over his first win in a career spanning over 20 years.
Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, dubbed “the Spielberg of China”, picked up best film for the second year in a row for ‘Youth’, his controversial period drama set during the Cultural Revolution. His film ‘I Am Not Madame Bovary’ was given the same award at last year’s event.
In a show of longevity and stamina, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Sylvia Chang was nominated personally in three categories including best director for her work in Love Education and was named best actress for her performance in the same film.
Hong Kong-Chinese-Japan fantasy film ‘Legend of the Demon Cat’ clinched four awards, the most of any film, including best-supporting actress for Zhang Yuqi, best costume design, best production design, and best visual effects.
The best director award went to Japan’s Ishii Yuya for ‘The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue’, and China’s Dong Yue collected the best new director award.
The Asian Film Awards also honoured Hong Kong actress Kara Wai with the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award.
Following are the winners of each category: Best Film Youth Best Director Ishii Yuya, ‘The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue’
Best Actress Sylvia Chang, ‘Love Education’ Best Actor Louis Koo, ‘Paradox’ Best Supporting Actress Zhang Yuqi, ‘Legend of the Demon Cat’ Best Supporting Actor YangIk-june, ‘Wilderness’ Best Newcomer Chu timon Chuengc ha roensu ky ing’, ‘Bad Genius’ Best New Director Dong Yue, ‘The Looming Storm’ Best Action Film ‘The Thousand Faces of Dunjia’