Hong Kong-Chinese-Japan fantasy film 'Legend of the Demon Cat' led the way with wins in four categories.


After several nominations over his long and illustrious career, Louis Koo finally won his first award at the 12thAsian Film Awards held in Macau.


The most prolific actor in Hong Kong cinema was named best actor for his performance in action film Paradox. Upon accepting the award,Koo recalled his father's words of "being grateful doesn't mean I have to speak about it all the time" when receiving the award at the gala ceremony. He added that he felt mixed emotions over his first win in a career spanning over 20 years.


Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, dubbed "the Spielberg of China," picked up best film for the second year in a row for Youth, his controversial period drama set during the Cultural Revolution. His film I Am Not Madame Bovary was given the same award at last year's event.


In a show of longevity and stamina, this year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Sylvia Chang was nominated personally in three categories including best director for her work in Love Education and was named best actress for her performance in the same film.


Hong Kong-Chinese-Japan fantasy film Legend of the Demon Cat clinched four awards, the most of any film, including best-supporting actress for Zhang Yuqi, best costume design, best production design, and best visual effects.


The best director award went to Japan's Ishii Yuya for The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue, and China's Dong Yue collected the best new director award.


The Asian Film Awards also honored Hong Kong actress Kara Wai with the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award.


12th Asian Film Awards


Best Film
Youth


Best Director
Ishii Yuya, The Tokyo Night Sky is Always the Densest Shade of Blue


Best Actress
Sylvia Chang, Love Education


Best Actor
Louis Koo, Paradox


Best Supporting Actress
Zhang Yuqi, Legend of the Demon Cat


Best Supporting Actor
YangIk-june, Wilderness


Best Newcomer
ChutimonChuengcharoensukying, Bad Genius


Best New Director
Dong Yue, The Looming Storm


Best Action Film
The Thousand Faces of Dunjia


Best Editing
The King


Best Production Design
Legend of the Demon Cat


Best Costume Design
Legend of the Demon Cat


Best Sound
The Great Buddha+


Best Original Music
Our Time Will Come


Best Visual Effects
Legend of the Demon Cat


Best Cinematography
The Fortress