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Mar 15, 2026 4:08pm PT Zhang Ziyi, Liu Haoran, Terrance Lau Receive Special Honors at Hong Kong’s Asian Film Awards By Naman Ramachandran Plus Icon Naman Ramachandran Latest ‘Mam’ Director Nan Feix and Chef Jerald Head on the San Sebastián-Winning Film Born From Their NYC Vietnamese Restaurant; Clip Unveiled Ahead of SXSW (EXCLUSIVE) 3 days ago Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ Returns to Cinemas Worldwide Ahead of Sequel Release 3 days ago Netflix’s Eyeline Studios Opens Hyderabad Facility in Major Long-Term India Investment 4 days ago See All Naman Ramachandran The 19th Asian Film Awards celebrated a trio of special honorees Sunday evening at the Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon in Hong Kong, with Zhang Ziyi receiving the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, Liu Haoran the AFA Next Generation Award and Terrance Lau the AFA Rising Star Award. The ceremony, scaled back this year following last year’s deadly Hong Kong fire, proceeded under the theme “Together on Screen, Together in Dream.” Competitive categories and the red carpet were suspended, with the Asian Film Awards Academy instead focusing the evening on honoring individual talents. Related Stories Mariah Carey on Her Third Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination, Unreleased Grunge Album and Plans for the 25th Anniversary of 'Glitter' Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 17 Nominees for 2026 Include Shakira, Lauryn Hill, Pink, Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, New Edition and Wu-Tang Clan “We do not spare any efforts in making the Asian Film Awards a true celebration of innovation, creativity and inspiration,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, chair of the AFAA, in remarks opening the ceremony. “This is to pay great respect to the Asian filmmakers who have tried their best to bring Asian movies up to world standard.” Wong also noted the academy’s approaching milestone, pledging that as the AFA marches into its 20th anniversary, it will continue working with international organizations on activities that appeal to the film community and the public. Popular on Variety The evening was preceded by a day of programming at the Xiqu Centre, including masterclasses with “Squid Game” creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke and Zhang herself. Jia presented Zhang with her award at the ceremony. Zhang, who first gained international recognition with “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” went on to appear in such landmark works of Chinese-language cinema as “Hero,” “House of Flying Daggers” and “The Grandmaster.” The AFAA credited her with expanding how women are portrayed on screen across a career ranging from the ingenue of “The Road Home” to martial arts warriors, the three generations of “Jasmine Women” and her recent “She’s Got No Name.” Accepting her award, Zhang reflected on two decades in the industry. “Over my 20 years in cinema, I have grown alongside the progress of film, and film has shaped every stage of my life,” she said. “Without everyone’s support, encouragement and care, today would not have been possible.” She told fans that their hopes and wishes were “deeply rooted in my heart” and her greatest motivation to keep moving forward. Turning to the wider state of Asian cinema, she said: “I have always believed that Asian culture has deep roots and a long history, containing many Eastern stories and Eastern philosophies. I hope all of us Asian filmmakers can join hands and move forward together, creating more films that express the strength and culture of the East.” She closed with a pair of wishes: “May our films have an even better tomorrow. May our world have peace.” Liu rose to prominence with the blockbuster “Detective Chinatown” franchise. Beyond commercial tentpoles, he has more recently taken on weightier material – playing a gifted mathematician navigating personal and patriotic obligations in “Decoded.” Terrance Lau, a graduate of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, has built his career across stage, television and film. He drew considerable notice for his understated work in “Trouble Girl” and for his turn as “Shin” in action hit “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.” The awards are part of AFAA’s broader programming slate, which include Asian cinema screenings and the academy’s Journey to the Festivals initiative, through which students are escorted to film festivals worldwide. The organization also highlighted its recently launched International Film Camp, which brings together experienced film professionals to work with emerging filmmakers. The 19th Asian Film Awards were organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy with support from founding partners the Busan, Tokyo and Hong Kong international film festivals, as well as Hong Kong’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund. 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