[2026.03.17] 19TH ASIAN FILM AWARDS

Zhang Ziyi pretends to kiss the award

Terrance Lau would challenge being a director and screenwriter in the next step

Liu Haoran has a tight schedule this time and would not have time to meet with his idol
courtesy of on.cc

Zhang Ziyi is happy the Excellence in Asian Cinema Awards and looks forward to running into a good script and directing again

Terrance Lau is happy to receive the award and the recognition

Liu Haoran gives his speech in Cantonese

Phiravich Attachitsataporn, Natalie Hsu and Kent Tsai are this Asian Film Awards' "Youth Ambassador"
courtesy of mingpao.com

The 19th Asian Film Awards Ceremony was held last night at the Xiqu Center in the West Kowloon Cultural District. This year, the Asian Film Awards Academy would present special awards in a solemn and simple manner to recognize the outstanding contributions of filmmakers. Mainland actress Zhang Ziyi won the "Excellence in Asian Cinema Award", mainland actor Liu Haoran won the "AFA New Generation Award", and Terrance Lau Chun Hin won the "AFA Rising Star Award".

The Asian Film Awards competition last year had over 20 award categories, including Best Film, Director, Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, etc. Sean Lau Ching Wan with PAPA won the Asian Film Award Best Actor. This year the Asian Film Awards took place in a solemn and simple manner, canceling the film competition as the winners were announced in advanced. This event announced the reason of canceling the awards early this year was the Tai Po fire last year, considering that the government postponed many official celebrations this decision was made. The Asian Film Awards Academy chair Ricky Wong Ying Wai earlier said that in coordination with the government's low profile event handling, the nominations and the jury were unable to be handled in time.

Last night famous mainland director Jia Zhangke presented Zhang Ziyi with the "Excellence in Asian Cinema Award". Zhang Ziyi said in an interview backstage that she was very happy to receive the award, because this was a very important award for her. This was her second award after winning the Best Actress Award for THE GRANDMASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI). This time the caliber was much heavier, but her mood was more relaxed. Speaking of her deep connection with Hong Kong, how did it feel to come to Hong Kong this time? Zhang Ziyi said, "A few days ago I attended the Hong Kong Screenwriters' Guild Spring Dinner and Awards Ceremony, and I was interviewed by the Hong Kong media at that time. I used to be very nervous in front of the Hong Kong media, because there were a lot of 'paparazzi'; but now they are gone, which is a good thing. This time I have interacted with the media without any obstacle yet. Everyone has been very friendly, and the questions were all about the movie, which made me relax a lot."

Having played many different roles, she revealed that she wanted to play realism, about living in the moment and affectionate roles, and revealed that she was about to start filming. Which one would she prefer between being the director and the actor? Zhang Ziyi said, "If I can choose, as an actor I would want the most to meet a soulful and interesting role; for directing work, it is required and quite interesting; but it will be very hard to be a writer, director, and actor at the same time. It's like schizophrenia, because watch the picture while acting would be very hard, but with a good script, I would give it a try."

The "AFA New Generation Award" recipient Liu Haoran said in Cantonese in an interview backstage, "I'm so happy, thank you!" He added that he was very excited to receive the award, and he was very happy to be recognized after 12 years in the industry. Talking about his unforgettable experience in the entertainment industry, he said that he was honored to co-star with Chow Yun Fat in the movie DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 1900 in 2024. "Because I grew up watching Fat Gor's movies since I was little, I have always regarded him as an idol. I was finally able to film together on the set. Fat Gor was very willing to share his own experience. Every morning he would take us running, and even promised to run the half marathon in Hong Kong together." What other roles would he like to play? Liu Haoran said that he wanted to play the role of a father. "I have some experience in acting, but I feel that actors have to act according to their age. I have started to grow up, so I want to play the role of a father. For example my father and I have talked about it, if I play a father I would have ideas on how to teach the child."

Directors Sunny Chan Wing Sun and Peter Chan Charm Man presented the "AFA Rising Star Award" to the winner Lau Chun Him, who not only thanked his manager and family on stage, but also thanked his wife Cecilia Choi Sze Wan. In an interview backstage, Lau Chun Him admitted that he has not attended an award ceremony for a long time, and as an actor he often needed to be recognize. Winning this award has been a great encouragement for him. He was very happy but "I don't dare to say that this award has given a shot of confidence to my career."

Lau Chun Him said that his wife Choi Sze Wan was overseas. After accepting the award he would video chat with her as a celebration, and revealed that he would start working today and continue to work hard. Speaking of the most profound experience in his career, he stated that every time has been profound, of course the husband and wife collaboration was very profound. What other roles would he like to try? Lau Chun Him said, "In addition to playing roles I haven't played before, I also want to be a screenwriter and director. I have just finished writing a story, hoping to expand my ability as an actor and the development of all aspects of directing through creation, but finding a boss to invest is very difficult currently."

Hong Kong actress Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yi), Taiwanese actor Kent Tsai and Thai actor Phiravich Attachitsataporn (Mean) were selected as this year's "Youth Ambassadors". Natalie expressed her gratitude, honor and joy. She believed that youth was an advantage of actors, "Fast absorption, adaptable, and the range of character age could be even greater. More importantly, I can learn from my seniors." She added that at the next stage she hoped to become am even better and more unpredictable actor for the audience. Kent Tsai said that he attended the Asian Film Awards ceremony two years ago, and was the guest presenter at the time. He would be an ambassador this time. With many Hong Kong fans, he said that he sometimes would contact fans online and liked Hong Kong very much. Mean said that he was very excited to come to Hong Kong to participate in the event, and he was very nervous when filming the promotional video with the other two actors.