SINGAPORE, SEPT 30, 2026: The Asian Academy Creative Awards has revealed the 335 National Winners, representing 18 nations and territories, across the 39 categories, for the Gala Awards Final at Singapore’s historic Capitol Theatre this December.
Singapore’s Mediacorp (23), Prime Video India (19), Astro Malaysia (19) and CNN (15) topped the company tally after today’s livestream announcement.
Acting heavyweights Jackie Chan (Chinese Mainland) and Anil Kapoor (India) were amongst the action thanks to their Best Feature Film work on The Shadow’s Edge and Subedaar respectively.
Today’s livestream announcement was a bittersweet one for Malaysia with horror film “Malam Terlarang (Forbidden Night)” wining 4 categories including Best Feature Film, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Sofia Jane and Best Direction (Feature Film) going to Norhanisham bin Muhammad who passed away in May.
Chinese drama series The Lead scored the most number of categories with 6 wins including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Liu Haocun. Ironically it missed out on Best Drama Series to the big budget Legend of the Magnate.
Astro’s family crime drama series Good Boys Go to Heaven claimed a powerful 5 categories for Malaysia including Best Actor and Best Drama series nods. Japan’s Song of the Samurai was another 5 category winner but was edged out by Alice In Borderland for Best Drama Series (Japan). In the Best Actress category it would be Non who would claim National honours for her role in Miss King.
China’s Swords Into Plowshares and India’s The Family Man Season 3 each scored 4 categories for their respective nations with Bai Yu claiming Best Actor In A Leading Role (Chinese Mainland).
Dogman from Taiwan’s PTS also claimed 4 category wins including Drama Series and key acting categories thanks to Chang Hsiao Chuan and Tarcy Su. GMMTV’s Enigma Black Stage impressed with 4 National wins but was caught up in a fierce scripted battle that saw Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak claim Best Actor (Thailand) for Ticket to Heaven and Best Actress to MONO’s Manatsanun Phanlerdwongsakul for Sweet Dreams.
Entertainment host Vice Ganda is a megastar in the Philippines but had to withstand an additional tie-breaker round to claim a highly coveted Best Actor nod for the feature “Call Me Mother”. His co-star Nadine Lustre is also through to the Grand Final but for her lead role in Viu’s Love, Siargao.
Singapore’s Best Feature Film went to the The Violinist, voiced by Tan Kheng Hua and Ayden Sng, who also claimed the Best Actor In A leading Role (Singapore) for drama series Double Helix. The Violinist also scored Best Animation and Best Screenplay.
CNN won’t have any trouble accessing the Gala Awards in December, thanks to an impressive 15 wins across the factual categories including former winner Kristie Lu Stout’s National win for Best Factual Presenter (Thailand). She’ll face off with another former winner, Singapore’s Wei Du for CNA’s Walk The Line: ICE Nation.
Singapore indie, Refinery Media impressed with 3 National wins for lifestyle programme Man of the Hour.
The Asian Academy Creative Awards National Winner Announcement was launched by Awards Chairperson, Beverley McGarvey (President & Streaming Lead, Paramount ANZ) who noted that “each year, these awards remind us just how much talent, ambition and originality exists in our region” before adding “Our stories are becoming more confident, more distinctive and more influential, not only in their home markets but with audiences all around the world”.
Ms McGarvey noted entries were on par with last year and the large number of National Winners has created the largest showcase of Asia-Pacific content in the world. She also acknowledged the Members of Jury and announced that, this year, jurors from 38 countries taking part .
ABOUT THE JUDGING
AACA’s National and International Rounds are decided by a distinguished jury of senior industry figures representing 38 nations. Drawn from leading broadcasters, streamers, production companies, distributors, buyers and screen organisations, the Members of Jury assess and score the entries that determine both the National Winners and, ultimately, the Grand Winners.
About the Asian Academy Creative Awards
The Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) recognises excellence in film, television and digital content across 18 nations and territories throughout Asia-Pacific. Presented by the Asian Academy of Creative Arts, the Awards celebrate outstanding programmes, performances and creative achievement from across the region.
AACA operates a two-round judging system, with National Winners first selected to represent their respective nations and territories before progressing to the International Round, where the Grand Winners are determined by an international jury of senior industry figures.
The Awards culminate each year in Singapore, bringing together leading creators, executives, broadcasters, streamers, producers, distributors, buyers and talent from across Asia-Pacific.
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Asian Academy of Creative Arts (AACA) is the organiser of the Asia Pac’s most prestigious awards for creative excellence, Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA). AACA was established to honour creative excellence and serve as a peer judged pinnacle of achievement in content creation, performance and media production. Open to countries throughout the Asia Pacific region, the AAA honours excellence across television, film, digital, streaming and emerging technologies. Through its Academy Campus it also strives to develop and encourage the next generation of industry professionals. The AAA and Academy Campus is owned and organised by Asian Academy of Creative Arts, a not for profit organisation. For more details on the AACA, please visit www.asianacademycreativeawards.com
