The best screen talent across Asia-Pacific is stepping into the spotlight.
Recently, the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) unveiled 335 National Winners across 39 categories, representing 18 nations and territories.
Next, these winners will advance to the Gala Awards Final in December. The final event will take place at Singapore’s historic Capitol Theatre, bringing together top industry names to celebrate creative excellence.
Following the livestreamed announcement, Singapore’s Mediacorp led the company tally with 23 wins. Meanwhile, Prime Video India and Astro Malaysia earned 19 wins each, while CNN secured 15.
In addition, several acting legends made a major impact. Notably, Jackie Chan of Mainland China and Anil Kapoor of India earned recognition for their feature film roles in The Shadow’s Edge and Subedaar.
A Night of Big Wins and Emotional Moments
For Malaysia, the results brought both celebration and poignancy. Specifically, the horror feature Malam Terlarang (Forbidden Night) claimed four National wins. These included Best Feature Film, Best Supporting Actress for Sofia Jane, and Best Direction for Norhanisham bin Muhammad, who sadly passed away in May.
Meanwhile, China’s drama series The Lead emerged as the most decorated title with six wins, including Best Leading Actress for Liu Haocun. However, it missed out on Best Drama Series, which went to the lavish Legend of the Magnate.
Furthermore, Malaysia continued its strong showing with Astro’s family crime drama Good Boys Go to Heaven. The series secured five categories, including Best Actor and Best Drama Series.
Japan also enjoyed success with five wins for Song of the Samurai. However, Alice in Borderland took the National honor for Best Drama Series. In addition, Non claimed Best Actress for her performance in Miss King.
Elsewhere, China’s Swords Into Plowshares and India’s The Family Man Season 3 each collected four wins. Notably, China’s Bai Yu took home Best Leading Actor for Swords Into Plowshares.
Similarly, Taiwan’s Dogman from PTS picked up four wins, including Best Drama Series, alongside acting honors for Chang Hsiao Chuan and Tarcy Su.
Finally, Thailand delivered a dramatic showdown. GMMTV’s Enigma Black Stage earned four wins, while Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak claimed Best Actor for Ticket to Heaven. Meanwhile, Best Actress went to MONO’s Manatsanun Phanlerdwongsakul for Sweet Dreams.
Star Power Across the Region
In the Philippines, entertainment superstar Vice Ganda won Best Actor for Call Me Mother after a tie-breaker round. Additionally, co-star Nadine Lustre advanced to the Grand Final for her performance in Viu’s Love, Siargao.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s winners included The Violinist, which won Best Feature Film, Best Animation, and Best Screenplay. The film features voice roles by Tan Kheng Hua and Ayden Sng. Furthermore, Sng won Best Leading Actor for the drama series Double Helix.
Additionally, CNN celebrated 15 wins across factual categories. Among the honorees was former winner Kristie Lu Stout, who secured Best Factual Presenter for Thailand. Consequently, she will face fellow former winner Wei Du from Singapore’s CNA, who won for Walk The Line: ICE Nation.
At the same time, Singapore’s independent production house Refinery Media earned three wins for its lifestyle show Man of the Hour.
Celebrating Asia-Pacific’s Creative Voices
During the announcement, AACA Chairperson Beverley McGarvey highlighted the region’s expanding talent pool. She noted that Asia-Pacific stories are becoming increasingly confident, distinctive, and influential globally.
Overall, total entries matched the previous edition. However, the high number of National Winners creates the largest showcase of Asia-Pacific content in the world. To support this growth, the judging panel expanded to include jurors from 38 countries.
From National Honors to the Grand Final
The AACA uses a two-round judging system. First, National Winners are chosen to represent their respective regions. Next, they advance to the International Round, where an international jury selects the Grand Winners.
This panel draws from across the entertainment ecosystem, including broadcasters, streamers, production companies, and distributors.
Ultimately, the journey culminates in December at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre. The event will showcase the diverse voices, stories, and talent shaping the future of entertainment.
About the Asian Academy Creative Awards
The Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) honor excellence in film, television, and digital content across 18 Asia-Pacific nations.
Organized by the Asian Academy of Creative Arts, the awards follow a two-round system to select top regional talent. Each year, the event culminates in Singapore to unite leading creators, executives, and distributors. Furthermore, the non-profit organization develops future industry leaders through its Academy Campus.
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