The Asian Film Awards Academy (Academy or AFAA) announced the recipients of three Special Awards: Zhang Ziyi, who will receive the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award; Liu Haoran, recipient of the AFA Next Generation Award; and Terrance Lau, who will be honored with the AFA Rising Star Award.
 
Zhang Ziyi has brought to life many unforgettable female characters across both Chinese-language cinema and the international film scene. From the innocent young woman in The Road Home to the formidable warriors of martial arts epics, and her recent work She Has No Name, which was screened at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) Gala Selection last year, her performances reveal both strength and emotional depth. Recently, she served as the President of the International Competition jury at the 32nd TIFF in 2019.
 
Through a series of defining roles, she has broadened the possibilities of female representation in Chinese-language cinema and become a powerful symbol of Asian cinema on the global stage — a spirit that the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award seeks to honor.
 
Liu Haoran, who rose to prominence with the blockbuster Detective Chinatown series, is widely regarded as one of the leading representatives of a new generation of Asian actors. In recent years, Liu has also taken on roles that extend beyond pure entertainment, exploring stories with deeper cultural and historical dimensions. He starred in the film My Friend An Delie, which won the Best Artistic Contribution Award at the 37th TIFF in 2024.
 
In recent years, Terrance Lau has attracted growing attention through a number of film roles — from the gentle and understated role in Trouble Girl to the striking screen presence of “Shin” in Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, which was screened at the 37th TIFF, revealing an impressive range and versatility as an actor. Lau has also begun participating in cross-regional productions, gradually expanding his presence on a broader Asian stage.
 
All three awardees will attend the ceremony in person to celebrate the occasion with filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences.
 
The 19th Asian Film Awards Red Carpet and Award Ceremony
Date: March 15, 2026 (Sunday)
Place: Xiqu Centre, WestK (Hong Kong)
 

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Asian Film Awards (AFA)
The Asian Film Awards has been held since 2007, featuring distinguished awards such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress. The voting panel, composed of nominees and winners from previous years, participates annually in selecting the winners across all categories for the Asian Film Awards. Panel members also have the opportunity to attend events organized by the Academy across Asia and worldwide, engaging with industry professionals and audiences.
afa-academy.com
 
ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMY (AFAA)
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.