335 National Winners Named at Asian Academy Creative Awards

Three hundred and thirty-five national winners across 39 categories and 18 nations and territories will advance to the international round of the Asian Academy Creative Awards, the organization announced. Grand winners will be named at the December gala at Singapore's Capitol Theatre.

"The Shadow's Edge," fronted by Jackie Chan, took Best Feature Film for Chinese Mainland. "Subedaar," starring Anil Kapoor, won the equivalent prize for India.

Which titles dominated the category counts?

Chinese drama series "The Lead" swept the most categories of any single title, collecting six, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Liu Haocun. The bigger-budget "Legend of the Magnate" claimed Best Drama Series.

Japan's "Song of the Samurai" and Malaysia's Astro family crime drama "Good Boys Go Go Heaven" each won five categories, though "Song of the Samurai" lost Best Drama Series to "Alice in Borderland." Non won Best Actress for "Miss King."

Four-category winners included:

• "Malam Terlarang" (Forbidden Night) — Malaysia, including Best Feature Film
• "Swords Into Plowshares" — China, with Bai Yu named Best Actor in a Leading Role
• Season 3 of "The Family Man" — India
• "Dogman" — Taiwan's PTS, taking Best Drama Series plus acting honors for Chang Hsiao Chuan and Tarcy Su
• "Enigma Black Stage" — Thailand's GMMTV
• "The Violinist" — Singapore, winning Best Feature Film, Best Animation and Best Screenplay

How did the company totals break down?

Mediacorp led the company count with 23 wins. Prime Video India and Astro Malaysia each collected 19. CNN took 15, all in factual categories. One went to Kristie Lu Stout, a previous winner, for Best Factual Presenter (Thailand). She advances against another past winner, Singapore's Wei Du, recognized for CNA's "Walk the Line: ICE Nation."

What stood out in the acting races?

In the Philippines, Vice Ganda, one of the country's biggest stars, needed an extra tie-breaker round to secure Best Actor for "Call Me Mother." His co-star Nadine Lustre also advances, though for headlining Viu's "Love, Siargao."

Thailand's scripted acting prizes went to Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak for "Ticket to Heaven" and Mono's Manatsanun Phanlerdwongsakul for "Sweet Dreams." Singapore's Ayden Sng won Best Actor in a Leading Role for series "Double Helix," on top of his "The Violinist" voice work alongside Tan Kheng Hua.

Who won posthumously?

Malaysia's haul carried a note of loss. Norhanisham bin Muhammad, who won Best Direction (Feature Film) for "Malam Terlarang," died in May. Sofia Jane took Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the same horror title. Refinery Media added three Singapore wins for lifestyle show "Man of the Hour."

What do organizers say about the field's scale?

Awards chair Beverley McGarvey, president and streaming lead at Paramount ANZ, said the competition shows the depth of Asia-Pacific talent each year. "Our stories are becoming more confident, more distinctive and more influential, not only in their home markets but with audiences all around the world," she said. McGarvey added that entry numbers held steady against last year and that the size of the national winners field makes the awards the world's biggest showcase of Asia-Pacific content. This year's jurors came from 38 countries.

How does the two-round system work?

A jury of senior industry figures from TV networks, streamers, production companies, distributors, buyers and screen agencies scores entries first at the national level, then again in the international round to select the grand winners. The December ceremony in Singapore will close the 2025 cycle.