The 10th annual Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) announced its winners at a star-studded Closing Night Gala Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 21, at the Culver Theater in Los Angeles.
Over 60 films and special screenings, including 24 Academy Award submissions for Best International Feature Film, were presented over the nine days of the AWFF, held November 13 – 21.
Kyrgyz director and actress Elnura Osmanalieva, TV host, Golden Globe member, filmmaker, and actor Mico Saad, hosted the ceremony.
The Main Competition presented a series of exclusive Snow Leopard Awards with the assistance of Iris Wang, Jury President and producer (“Kung Fu Yoga,” “The Composer”).
The crime/drama “Abang Adik” (Malaysia), directed by Jin Ong, won the Snow Leopard Award for Best Film. The film also won the Snow Leopard Best Actor Award for Wu Kang-ren. The Snow Leopard for Best Actress went to Diamond Bou Abboud for the social dramedy “Arze” (Lebanon), directed by Mira Shaib.
The Snow Leopard Special Jury Prize went to Babak Khajeh Pasha’s family drama “In the Arms of the Tree” (Iran). Cinematographer Zhanrbek Yeleubek was awarded the Snow Leopard Panavision Award for Best Cinematography and a $45,000 Panavision Camera Package Grant for Kazakhstan’s coming-of-age drama “Bauryna Salu,” which was accepted by the film’s director, Askhat Kuchinchirekov, and producer Dias Feld. The Snow Leopard Audience Award went to “The Glassworker” (Pakistan), directed by Usman Riaz.
Writer, director, and producer Sergei Bodrov (“Mongol,” “Prisoner of the Mountains”) received the AWFF Lifetime Achievement Award. Kazakhstan actress Ayanat Ksenbai (“About Mannequin”) presented the award.
Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Ho-Sun Chan (“Warlords,” “Comrades: Almost a Love Story”) was presented with the Outstanding Cinematic Achievement Award by producer Andre Morgan (“The Cannonball Run,” “The Warlords”). The Rising Star Award went to Filipino actress Kathryn Bernardo (“The Hows of Us,” “Hello, Love, Goodbye”), presented by actress Kieu Chinh (“The Joy Luck Club,” “Hamburger Hill”).
Executive Director Georges N. Chamchoum said, “There is always a beginning and end to everything—except at the Asian World Film Festival. This 10th Anniversary year was filled with inspiring milestones, discovery, joy, and thrills! The myriads of movies we screened, the special country spotlights, and the dedicated filmmaker panels have brought the richness of our heritage to the forefront. Asia is a wellspring of incredibly talented filmmakers, offering valuable lessons, especially in this age of technology. The AWFF continues to showcase exceptional movies filled with heart, soul, and captivating storytelling. Onward to November 2025!”
The Bruce Lee Award, in partnership with the Bruce Lee Foundation, was presented to martial artist and actor Mark Dacascos (“Brotherhood of the Wolf,” “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum”) by Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee, CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation. The Asian Vision Best Film Award was given to “Night Courier” (Saudi Arabia), directed by Ali Kalthami.
The Short Film Jury composed of filmmakers and industry professionals from the U.S. and abroad, was headed by Jury President, Head of HDR Content Workflow, Barco) Joachim Zell. The Best Short Film, with a prize of a $15,000 Panavision Camera Package grant, went to “Lullaby” (UK/Vietnam) directed by Chi Thai. The award was presented by producer Zhu Xufang and accepted by actress Mai Thu Huyen (“A Fragile Flower,” “Kieu”). A Special Mention was given to “Mar Mama” (Palestine), directed by Majdi El Omari.
The complete awards list is as follows:
SNOW LEOPARD COMPETITION AWARDEES
- Best Picture: “Abang Adik” (Malaysia) directed by Jin Ong
- Best Actor: Wu Kang-ren in “Abang Adik” (Malaysia)
- Best Actress: Diamond Bou Abboud in “Arze” (Lebanon)
- Panavision Best Cinematography: Zhanrbek Yeleubek for “Bauryna Salu” (Kazakhstan)
- Special Jury Prize: “In the Arms of the Tree” (Iran) directed by Babak Khajeh Pasha
- Audience Award: “The Glassworker” (Pakistan) directed by Usman Riaz
SNOW LEOPARD HONORARY AWARDS
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Sergei Bodrov
- Outstanding Cinematic Achievement – Peter Ho-Sun Chan
- Rising Star Award – Kathryn Bernardo
ASIAN VISION BEST FILM AWARD:
“Night Courier” (Saudi Arabia) directed by Ali Kalthami
AWFF BRUCE LEE AWARD (in partnership with the Bruce Lee Foundation)
Mark Dacascos
SHORT FILM FINALISTS
- Best Short Film: “Lullaby” (UK/Vietnam) directed by Chi Thai
- Special Mention: “Mar Mama” (Palestine) directed by Majdi El Omari
The AWFF series of Snow Leopard Awards is bestowed in partnership with The Snow Leopard Trust to raise awareness for the endangered snow leopard and their Asian ecosystem.
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