YOU DESERVE IT: Taib presents Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 to Yeoh. Also seen is Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg (right). — Photo by Muhamad Rais Sanusi
Nation’s international star actress receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Asean film fest
KUCHING: Malaysia’s international actress Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) Gala Night at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here last night.
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud presented the award to Yeoh for her outstanding talent and contribution to the region’s film industry.
Expressing her gratitude in her acceptance speech, Yeoh said, “This is an incredible honour and privilege, and I am truly touched. Thanks so much for this.”
Yeoh also paid tribute to all those who helped her in her journey to stardom saying that the award would not have landed in her hands if not for the collaborative team effort she enjoyed with all those she had worked with..
“I first would like to dedicate this to my parents as without them I would not be here too. This is the first time I am in Kuching and I promise you it won’t be the last.”
Pledging to return to Cat City to “tell stories”, Yeoh said, “Sarawak is truly beautiful and surely there are many stories to tell. I assure you that I can help do that. Please welcome me back to Kuching.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Communication Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum presented the Best Director Award to Riri Riza of Indonesia for his direction of Atambua 39 Degree Celsius.
Four Special Jury awards went to Kayan Beauties of Myanmar, Rectoverso of Indonesia, Ada Apa Dengan Rina of Brunei and Taxi! Taxi! of Singapore.
The night also saw a Special Honour Award presented to Hanyut of Malaysia while the Asean Spirit Award went to Cinta Tapi Beda of Indonesia.
Bunohan by Dain Iskandar Said of Malaysia was awarded Best Screenplay while Sang Martir by Cesa David Luckmansyah of Indonesia won Best Film Editing and Rayya by Rahmatipung Syaiful of Indonesia won the Best Film Photography award.
Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards went to Bugoy Carino (on Alagwa) and Anita Linda (Sta.Nina) respectively, both from the Philippines.
Malaysian Shaheizy Sam (Songlap) walked away with Best Actor Award while Alessandra De Rossi (Sta.Nina) of the Philippines was awarded Best Actress.
Malaysia’s Istanbul Aku Datang produced by Tengku Lesta Tengku Alaudin and Lina Tan won Best Picture (Comedy), Sta. Nina by producer Rodel Naciancero of the Philippines was awarded Best Picture (Drama) and Songlap by Lina Tan of Malaysia won Best Picture (Action).