The 2026 Asia Film Awards (AFA) were held last Sunday, on March 15, 2026.
However, the awards chose to axe its competitive categories, focusing on Special Honours to some of the continent’s talents owing to the recent Hong Kong deadly apartment fire, which claimed 168 lives last fall.
Recipients of the Special Honours at the 19th edition of the awards include the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, for actress Zhang Ziyi (Crouching Tiger, Memoirs of a Geisha); the AFA Next Generation Award for actor Liu Haoran (Detective Chinatown, The Breaking Ice); and the AFA Rising Star Award for actor Terrence Lau (Beyond the Dream, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In).
Receiving the award, Lau used the opportunity to speak about the private insecurities that have been a quiet part of his public climb to fame in Hong Kong cinema.
He said, “People may think actors always look glamorous, but that’s because of the makeup. In reality, we are often fragile and full of self-doubt. I’ve questioned many times whether I am a good actor, but I still believe cinema is beautiful, and I hope to be someone who continues to give back to it.”
Haoran, who framed his own career growth around the expanding global reach of Asian cinema, noted that through projects like Detective Chinatown, he had the opportunity to collaborate with many outstanding filmmakers across Asia. “My 12 years as an actor have coincided with twelve years of rapid growth for Asian cinema. I will continue to work hard and hope to leave my own mark on this new era of Asian moviemaking.”
Meanwhile, Ziyi’s tribute reflected on her over 20-year career in filmmaking, during which she delivered landmark performances.
“I have spent over twenty years growing through cinema, and it has shaped every stage of my life. I am grateful to all the directors, actors, and crew members I have worked with, and to audiences whose support continues to inspire me. Asian culture holds a profound and enduring heritage, filled with stories waiting to be told. I hope filmmakers across Asia will continue to work together to create films that express the strength and spirit of our culture.”
Organised by the Busan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo International Film Festivals, the Asian Film Awards were held at the Xiqu Grand Theatre in West Kowloon, Hong Kong.
