Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals to celebrate excellence in Asian cinema. AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops the Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives to promote and recognise Asian films and their talents.
Excellence in Asian Cinema Award which aims to highlight distinguished talents and affirm their achievements and contributions to the Asian film industry and culture. This year, we have two winners from different regions who have achieved remarkable success in their acting careers. One of the two awardees this year is Korean actress Lee Young-ae.
Lee Young-ae gained prominence with impressive characters and various acting skills in Joint Security Area (2000), One Fine Spring Day (2001), Lady Vengeance (2005) and Bring Me Home (2019). Always embracing challenges and seeking diverse roles, Lee played an enigmatic and bold conductor with hidden secrets in the recent drama series Maestra: Strings of Truth.
Park Kwang Su, Chairperson of Busan International Film Festival, remarked: “Always challenging herself as an actress, Lee Young-ae is the embodiment of professionalism and inspiration to many young actors. We look forward to her breaking new ground in the film and television industry.”
Lee Young-ae expressed deep honour upon receiving the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award: “I am pleasantly surprised to receive this distinguished award. It is beyond words for me to express my gratitude. But I am certainly delighted to come to Hong Kong and take part in this prestigious event for the Asian film industry. I look forward to more collaborations and engagements with Asian filmmakers across the region to raise international awareness of Korean cinema and culture.”
Lee is confirmed to attend the 17th Asian Film Awards Ceremony in person to receive the prestigious award on March 10.
The 17th Asian Film Awards Ceremony will take place at the Xiqu Centre of the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong on 10th March.
