Hollywood dazzled on November 21, 2024, as the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) celebrated its 10th anniversary with the closing night gala at the Culver Theater. Dusting off the red carpet for the occasion, stars arrived to showcase their cinematic contributions, and support endangered snow leopards—a cause central to this year's festival theme.
The night culminated with the announcement of the coveted Snow Leopard Awards, celebrating excellence across Asian cinema. Elnura Osmanalieva and Mico Saad co-hosted the awards, bringing their charisma to the stage as they introduced over 60 films screened throughout the festival, including 24 submissions for the prestigious Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Notably, Malaysia's “Abang Adik,” directed by Jin Ong, snagged the Snow Leopard Award for Best Film. This gripping crime drama also earned Wu Kang-ren the Snow Leopard Award for Best Actor, highlighting the film’s powerful storytelling and acting prowess.
On the other hand, the award for Best Actress went to Diamond Bou Abboud for her stellar performance in “Arze,” a Lebanese social dramedy directed by Mira Shaib. The judges lauded her ability to deliver both humor and poignant commentary, earning her accolades and acclaim.
Other significant awards included the Special Jury Prize, which was awarded to Babak Khajeh Pasha for his evocative family drama “The Arms of the Tree” from Iran. This film captured the jury's attention with its heartwarming and deeply emotional narrative.
The Panavision Award for Best Cinematography, providing the winner with a $45,000 Panavision Camera Package Grant, was bestowed upon Zhanrbek Yeleubek for “Bauryna Salu,” Kazakhstan’s coming-of-age story. Accepting the award were director Askhat Kuchinchirekov and producer Dias Feld, who expressed gratitude for the recognition of their film.
Meanwhile, the Audience Award went to “The Glassworker,” marking Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film directed by Usman Riaz. This special recognition reflects the film's charm and widespread appeal among the festival attendees.
Among the honorary awards, Sergei Bodrov, known for his works like “Mongol” and “Prisoner of the Mountains,” received the AWFF Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to him by Kazakh actress Ayanat Ksenbai. Bodrov's influential career was celebrated as he shared reflections on the power of storytelling to transcend cultural barriers.
Further recognition was bestowed upon Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Ho-Sun Chan with the Outstanding Cinematic Achievement Award. Chan, famous for hits like “Warlords” and “Comrades: Almost A Love Story,” received his honor from producer Andre Morgan, reinforcing the importance of his contributions to cinema.
Kathryn Bernardo, the rising star of the Philippines, was another highlight of the night, receiving the Snow Leopard Rising Star Award. The AWFF praised her for establishing herself as one of the most beloved performers from her country, adding to her impressive accolades following the success of “Hello, Love, Again.”
AWFF Executive Director Georges N. Chamchoum spoke passionately about the festival’s dedication: “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 myriad of movies we screened, special country spotlights, and 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, presented jointly with the Bruce Lee Foundation, was awarded to martial artist and actor Mark Dacascos, who was honored by Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee. This acknowledgment merges the legacies of cinema and martial arts, celebrating their impact on global culture.
The Asian Vision Best Film Award went to “Night Courier” from Saudi Arabia, directed by Ali Kalthami, continuing the festival's tradition of highlighting transformation and storytelling among underrepresented regions.
With the festival screening such diverse and fruitful content, attendees and participants heralded it as not only another successful chapter but also as an invaluable gathering for movie enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich narratives found within Asian cinema. The festival not only shined a spotlight on the artistic community but also gave back to the environment by supporting the Snow Leopard Trust, aiming to raise awareness for endangered species and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Wrapping up this year's event with such accolades, enthusiasm, and commitment to values, the Asian World Film Festival continues its important mission of celebrating and amplifying Asian voices on the global cinematic stage.
