India, Japan & Singapore Lead Asian Academy Creative Awards

The winners of this year’s Asian Academy Creative Awards have been presented, with India, Japan and Singapore each scoring seven wins.

Best actor in a leading role went to Vijay Varma for Dahaad (Amazon Prime Video; India), while the leading actress win went to Rajshri Deshpande for Trial By Fire (Netflix, Endemol Shine, House of Talkies; India). Supporting nods went to Teuku Rifnu Wikana for 96 Jam (Vidio & Sky Films; Indonesia) and Lim Ji-yeon for The Glory (Netflix, Hwa & Dam Pictures; Korea).

For comedy, the performance win went to Azira Shafinaz for Ijab Kabut (Viu & Jazzy Pictures; Malaysia).

Unchained Medley (TVB; Hong Kong) won for best comedy program, and The Glory (Netflix, Hwa & Dam Pictures; Korea) for best drama. Modern Love Chennai—Memory is but a bird (Amazon Prime Video; India) won for best single drama/telemovie/anthology episode.

Physical: 100 (Netflix, MBC; Korea) came out on top for best non-scripted entertainment, while Infinity and Beyond 2023 (Mango TV; China) won for best general entertainment, game or quiz program. Manila Luzon was recognized as best entertainment host for Dragden With Manila Luzon (Cornerstone Entertainment & Project 8, Amazon Prime Video; Philippines). Best adaptation of an existing format was presented to Old Enough #1 (CNA, Mediacorp; Singapore).

Nature’s Hidden Miracles: The Secret Life of Plants (NHK, Curiosity, Autentic, Rai; Japan) was named best documentary series. The Cleaning Company (Walking Fish Productions & GoodThing Productions, SBS Australia; Australia) won for best doc one-off. Rico Hizon took the win for best factual presenter for The Final Word with Rico Hizon (CNN Philippines, Nine Media Corporation; Philippines). In lifestyle, Forbidding No More S2 (Threesixzero Productions, Mediacorp; Singapore) was the winner.

Mr. Midnight: Beware The Monsters (Beach House Pictures, Netflix; Singapore) won for best children’s program. ONI: Thunder God’s Tale (Megalis, Tonko House, Netflix; Japan) was named best animated program or series (2D or 3D).

The Philippines received the special Asian Academy of Creative Arts Legacy Award from 2023 Chairman Clement Schwebig (Warner Bros. Discovery).