The 16th Asian Film Awards was held on March 12, 2023 at Hong Kong Jockey Club Auditorium in Hong Kong Palace Museum. The nominations were announced on January 6, 2023.[1] At the 16th edition of the awards ceremony, 30 films from 22 regions and countries were shortlisted for 81 nominations.[2] South Korean film Decision to Leave received 10 nominations most for any film whereas Drive My Car with eight nominations was second.[3]
Lin Min Chen, a Malaysian Chinese singer, actor and model was appointed as Youth Ambassador of the film awards.[4]
The award ceremony hosted by Grace Chan and Sammy Leung was held on 12 March 2023, where international actors and celebrities from Hong Kong walked the red carpet. Hiroshi Abe, Japanese model and actor, was presented with Excellence in Asian Cinema Award and 'Red Carpet Best Dressed Award', whereas AFA Next Generation Award was presented to Ji Chang-wook a South Korean actor and singer.[5][6] Later, Sammo Hung, a martial arts veteran from Hong Kong was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award,[7] and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, a Hong Kong actor and singer, was presented with Asian Film Contribution Award for his contribution to the Asian cinema and the best actor award for his performance in Where the Wind Blows. Drive My Car by Ryusuke Hamaguchi won the best film award and best direction was awarded to Hirokazu Kore-eda for Broker, whereas Tang Wei's performance in Decision to Leave got her the best actress award.[8][9]
The ceremony was aired live on YouTube channel of Asian Film Awards Academy.[10]
Events
Asian Film Awards Academy is holding an exhibition to celebrate 15 Years of excellence of Asian Film Awards from 5 to 11 March, 2023 at Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal Main Concourse. It is a pre-event leading to the film awards ceremony. Vivian Sung, a Taiwanese actress and Lin Min Chen, a Malaysian Chinese singer, actor and AFA Youth Ambassador are invited on 11 March to interact with fans.[11]
Japanese traditional martial arts dance group 'ORIENTARHYTHM' and talented pianist Niu Niu [zh] performed on stage during the ceremony.[12]
Red Carpet Best Dressed Award
An award known as 'Best Dressed Award' is launched from this year ceremony. The award consists of a trophy designed by Hong Kong production and costume designer, William Chang and The Sail Melaka X iPANDAS Memorigin Tourbillon watch.[13]Hiroshi Abe became the first recipient of the award.[6]
Red Carpet Best Dressed Award Jury:
Hun Kim, Designer Director of Karl Lagerfeld
William Chang, Oscar-nominated and renowned HK Art Director
Winnie Wan, editor-in-chief of Elle Hong Kong
Michele Reis, renowned artist & co-creator of M Sail Tower
Dato’ Leong Sir Ley, Founder & Chairman of Sheng Tai International
Jury
Zhang Yimou as Jury President - film director, producer, writer, actor and former cinematographer[14]
^Kim Bo-young (January 6, 2023). "'헤어질 결심', AFA 10개 부문 노미네이트…아이유 신인상 후보 [공식]" ['Decision to break up', nominated in 10 AFA categories... IU Rookie Award Candidate [Official]]. E-Daily Star (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
^Son Jeong-bin (January 6, 2023). "'헤어질 결심' 아시아필름어워즈 10개 부문 후보" ['Decision to Break Up' nominated in 10 Asian Film Awards]. Newsis (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved January 6, 2023.