For the first time, the “Oscars of Asia” – the 8th Asian Film Awards (AFA) – was hosted at City of Dreams on 27 March. Over 100 stars and cinematic talents graced the glittering red carpet to attend the ceremony which was hosted at Dancing Water Theater.
The reigning kings and queens of Asian cinema, together with numerous international and regional film celebrities from 10 regions in Asia, descended on the red carpet. A-listers included Zhang Ziyi, Carina Lau, Paw Hee Ching, Odagiri Joe, Lee Kang Sheng, Tsai Ming-liang, Song Kang ho and Han Hyo-joo. A highlight of the night also included the appearance of Peter Chan, Donnie Yen and AFA Ambassador Jeon Do-yeon, who was crowned best actress at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
The AFA recognizes and celebrates film achievements in Asia from the preceding year through 14 award categories. In the end it was no surprise that “The Grandmaster” from Hong Kong was the big winner with seven awards including Best Film, Best Director (Wong Kar-wai), Best Actress (Zhang Zi Yi), Best Cinematographer (Philippe Le Sourd), Best Production Designer (William Chang Suk Ping and Alfred Yau Wai Ming), Best Composer (Umebayashi Shigeru and Nathaniel Mechaly) and the Best Costume Designer (William Chang Suk Ping).
Best Actress winner Zhang Zi Yi walks the red carpet
In addition, Irfan Khan won Best Actor for Indian film “The Lunchbox”, Best Newcomer was Jiang Shuying from China’s “So Young”, Best Supporting Actor was Huang Bo from “No Man’s Land” and Best Supporting Actress was Yeo Yann Yann, from Singapore’s “Ilo Ilo”.
