Painterly ‘The Assassin’ tops winners at Asian Film Awards

MACAU, Macau – Hou Hsiao-hsien’s painterly martial arts masterpiece “The Assassin” claimed eight wins at the Asian Film Awards, including best film and best director.

The cinematic historical drama was also honoured for cinematography and its lead and supporting actresses at the ceremony Thursday night in Macau.

Best-actress winner Shu Qi jokingly thanked the “Band-Aids and medicine” that accompanied her during filming, referring to the rigorous training to prepare for the role.

Taiwanese director Hou did not attend but the film’s cinematographer Mark Lee collected the awards on the director’s behalf. He thanked the jury, the cast and crew and Hou’s supporters in the region.

Lee Byung hun won best actor for his role in the political thriller “Inside Men.” Accepting the award, Lee thanked the director and his co-star, but saved the most important people until last: “I would like to thank my wife and son at home for all the love and support through good times and bad,” the South Korean actor said.

Zhou Yun was named best-supporting actress, while the best-supporting actor honour went to Japan’s Tadanobu Asano for “Journey to the Shore.”

In its 10th year, the Asian Film Awards celebrate the best talents in Asian cinema. Hong Kong director Johnnie To was the jury president, with actors Sean Lau Chin-wan and Gao Yuanyuan among the film industry figures also on the panel.