The Asian Academy Creative Awards is one of Asia-Pacific’s most prestigious and highly sought-after awards honouring the best in creative excellence. The awards highlight the best from Asian creatives within each of the continent’s territories, creating an ideal platform for creative exchanges and those on the lookout for international co-production partners. The best of the best from 17 nations representing the region’s content industry gather each December, in Singapore, when the Lion City hosts the annual Asian Academy Creative Awards. From the star-studded red carpet to the glittering awards ceremonies, the AACA is a celebration of the finest works from around the region. The Asian Academy Creative Awards 2023 once again put a spotlight on outstanding achievements in the arts including television, cinema, music, direction and visual effects. LUXUO recaps the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards.

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The Red Carpet

The theme of this year’s Asian Academy Creative Awards was “1920s Glam” and the stars relished the chance to grace the red carpet within Singapore’s historic Chijmes Hall. Yvette King and Mond Gutierrez hosted the red carpet wearing the designs of Filipino fashion designer Anthony Ramirez. Heart Media’s own Asri Jasman and Izwan Abdullah — of Esquire Singapore and Men’s Folio respectively — were joined by two time best dressed winner Hirzi Zulkiflie as judges for the sought after “Fashion Industry Best Dressed Award”.

Manila Luzon and Susan Lankester unanimously won the award, each with a different take on the theme. Manila wore an art deco beaded gown by Ushi Sato while Malaysian actress Susan Lankester donned a piece closer to home in her mother’s Nyonya Kebaya, pairing it with clay and acrylic earrings by Bremen Wong for an added touch of modernity. Moments earlier Manila Luzon had picked up a coveted golden Goddess statuette for Best Entertainment Host but jokingly said, “…for a drag queen, winning best dressed might be even better”.

The red carpet was truly a display of sartorial culture and heritage. Thailand-based actress Ase Wang was described as “ravishing in red” in a body-hugging dress by Thai designer Poem Couture. India’s Rajshri Deshpande would claim the statuette for “Best Actress In A Leading Role” for Trial By Fire but graced the red carpet in a vibrant magenta ensemble that was a modern take on the saree. Malaysian actress Siti Saleha wore a classic black and silver gown by Ivan Young with a Jimmy Choo clutch. Fellow Malaysian actress and host Sarimah Hibrahim also went for a black and silver full-length gown by Rizman Rujaini, which later jokingly described it as “chain mail diamonds, Game of Thrones mixed with the 20’s”.

Crazy Rich Asians star Tan Kheng Hua marked her return to the Asian Academy Creative Awards in a stunning white dress. With an eye on sustainability, the actress chose to accessorise her look with pieces made from recycled plastics an a black clutch that was made of compressed garbage bags. Thai star “Tu” Tontawan Tantivejakul jetted in from Bangkok and made a dash to the red carpet looking effortless in a bespoke black dress with a matching black cape and accessories by Christian Dior. Tu was voted Best Dressed by fans on Facebook.

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The Awards & Winners

Asia-Pac’s most prestigious awards for creative excellence did not disappoint. India won both the major acting categories with Vijay Varma winning “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for Dahaad while Rajshri Deshpande took home the award for “Best Actress in a Leading Role” for her performance in Netflix’s Trial By Fire. Korea dominated in the television categories winning, “Best Drama Series” for The Glory and “Best Non Scripted Entertainment” for Netflix’s Physical: 100.

Other winners of the night included Japan’s Tomoki Kanazawa winning “Best Screenplay” for Sanctuary, Sinagpore’s Last Madame: Sisters of the Night for “Best Original Programme by a Streamer/OTT”, Thailand’s Hunger for Best Feature Film and Hong Kong’s Unchained Medley for Best Comedy Programme. However, arguably the most surprising yet culturally timely award went to Myanmar’s Militia is fighting back against Myanmar military government with makeshift weapons CNN for “Best Single News Story/Report”.

Click here for the full list of winners.

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