South Korea’s Exhuma is the most-nominated film, while multiple Hong Kong films have earned nominations
The 18th Asian Film Awards (AFA18) feature a selection of 30 films spanning 25 countries and regions. Among them, South Korea’s Exhuma has earned 11 nominations including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Directed by Jang Jae-hyun, who also directed Svaha: The Sixth Finger, the film brings together critically acclaimed actors Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Lee Do-hyun, and Yoo Hae-jin.
Hong Kong action blockbuster Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In comes in close second with nine nominations including Best Film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Original Music, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound. Papa and The Last Dance each earned three nominations, with their respective actors Sean Lau Ching Wan and Michael Hui Koon Man both in the running for the Best Actor award.
Simultaneously, various nominated movies illustrate the darkness of reality. Papa is based on a true story of a father’s effort to confront past traumas while maintaining his relationship with his son. The Last Dance sheds light on Hong Kong’s funeral industry, highlighting how death exposes the uncertainty of life. Meanwhile, All Shall Be Well explores the bonds of two same-sex friends through an unfortunate death. Veteran actress Maggie Li Lin Lin has earned her first-ever film award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for this role.
Yoshida Daihachi's Teki Cometh earns 6 nominations
As for foreign films, Japanese filmmaker Yoshida Daihachi adapts the 1988 novel by renowned Japanese writer Tsutsui Tasutaka in Teki Cometh. The black-and-white movie conveys the chilling message: “There’s no predicting life’s ending, nor can you know when your enemies will arrive”. The film has earned six nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design.
French-Indian-Dutch-Luxembourg co-production All We Imagine As Light is also nominated for 6 categories
The French-Indian-Dutch-Luxembourg co-production All We Imagine As Light has also received six nominations. Indian director Payal Kapadia makes history as the first Indian female director to win the Cannes Grand Prix for the film, which explores the struggles and hopes of three women in Mumbai who shine despite difficult life circumstances. Kapadia has been nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay, while the movie is nominated for Best Film, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Editing.
The Official Key Visual Is Inspired By The Image Of Mountains
AFA18 is themed “Empowering Ideas Together”. The angular lines of the mountain echo the refined edges of the AFA trophy, reflecting the unwavering determination of filmmakers as they strive to reach greater heights. Coloured lines run through the mountain, representing the vibrant pulse of life and energy in the design. These lines symbolise the creativity and innovation of emerging Asian filmmakers, whose talent and passion breathe new vitality into the industry, driving it toward a flourishing future.
A Strong Ensemble Of Ambassadors And Juries
Japanese actor Dean Fujioka has been appointed ambassador for AFA18. Born in Fukuoka and raised in Chiba, the actor’s career started in Hong Kong. After graduating, he backpacked around Asia and was discovered by a fashion magazine editor. Directed by Yan Yan Mak, Fujioka’s first film August Story was released in Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan in 2006, instantly boosting him to stardom across Asia. 20 years since his debut, Fujioka has returned to Japan, tried his hand at directing, and was nominated for a Japan Academy Prize. After 10 years, he returns to Chinese-language productions in Season 2 of The Victims’ Game where he plays the role of a just policeman.
AFA18 has also appointed four youth ambassadors who represent different regions of Asia. Hong Kong’s Lo Chun Yip was nominated for Best Actor at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards for Time Still Turns the Pages. Making his way from behind the scenes to in front of the camera over the past 10 years, Lo is representative of a new generation of Hong Kong filmmaking talent. Japan’s representative is Okada Masaki, the lead actor in Drive My Car. Taiwan’s representative is Austin Lin who won Best Supporting Actor at the 53rd Golden Horse Awards for At Café 6. Rising star Aokbab Chutimon, who made a stunning acting debut in the record-breaking global hit Bad Genius, represents Thailand.
18th Asian Film Awards Youth Ambassador: Lo Chun Yip
18th Asian Film Awards Youth Ambassador: Austin Lin
18th Asian Film Awards Youth Ambassador: Okada Masaki
18th Asian Film Awards Youth Ambassador: Aokbab Chutimon
This year, the internationally renowned Hong Kong director, action choreographer, and actor Sammo Hung will serve as the Jury President. At the press conference, he laughs and says, “I haven’t made movies in recent years, it’s been super quiet. Luckily film events like this allow me to meet everyone again.” Along with fellow jury members, and more than 200 voters, Hung will pick the awardees for AFA18.
Translated by Karrie Lam
18th Asian Film Awards Youth Ambassador: Sammo Hung
18th Asian Film Awards
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
Award Ceremony and Red Carpet Live Stream: Asian Film Awards Academy
Editor
Inez Chan
