SINGAPORE [3rd Dec 2020]: At the halfway mark, Australia has claimed a stunning 4 of 20 golden “Goddesses” at tonight’s Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA) ceremony.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Method Studio’s claimed an historic Best Visual FX “three-peat” for their work on “Jumanji: The Next Level” then Emmy winner “Bluey” (joined India’s “Delhi Crime”) as a winner of The Double (an Emmy and a Goddess) with their victory in the Preschool category. Australia then added both documentary categories to their tally thanks to ABC’s “Revelation” and “The Australian Dream”.
MALAYSIA CLAIMS BEST FEATURE FILM
Astro Shaw/HBO’s “The Garden of Evening Mists” claimed the award for Best Feature Film after the nation also collected a win for Best Branded Programme or Series.
SINGAPORE SHINES
Host nation Singapore was not to be outdone, claiming 3 wins for the night after the Roystan Tan helmed “HIGH” withstood a challenge from Taiwan in the Best Immersive category.
“The Driver” was also forced to withstand a tense judging outcome to win Best Promo or Trailer then Danny Yeo claimed the Best News or Current Affairs Anchor for “A Medical Journey” capping a solid showing for Mediacorp and local indie August Pictures.
THREE WINS
India, Japan and Taiwan head into the halfway point with 3 wins each. Taiwan took out the last award of the night for Best Single Drama/Telemovie/Anthology Episode with its “76 Horror Bookstore”. India’s famed animation “Lamput” claimed a “Three-Peat” on behalf of WarnerMedia Cartoon Network.
THEATRE OF DREAMS
Unusually perhaps, as many eyes were on the AAA Theatre, the newly built 3D virtual theatre which had its first public showing. Using virtual tracking technology, the AAA’s were able to put performers and winners on the same stage despite being in different locations across the region. Host Bobby Tonelli declared it “Our industry’s Theatre of Dreams”.
Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran announced the first award which was, fittingly for Best Visual FX and noted “Tonight, the AAAs are demonstrating the very values of ingenuity and tenacity that Singapore seeks to showcase to the world – that anything is possible if we dream it. With creativity, technology and some visual magic, we are able to forge new exciting formats and find cutting edge ways to continue to bring the show to you – viewers at home, all across the world”.
The Gala Awards Final takes place at the AAA Theatre on Friday evening (6pm Singapore time) when the bulk of the scripted and acting awards are decided.