Asian Film Awards: Louis Koo Wins First Award, Feng Xiaogang's 'Youth' Takes Best Film

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 honor at the 12th Asian Film Awards, which were held Saturday night in Macau.

The most prolific actor in Hong Kong cinema was named best actor for his performance in the 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 prize at the gala ceremony. He added that he felt mixed emotions over his first win in a career spanning more than 20 years.

Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, dubbed "the Spielberg of China," picked up best film honors 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 also nominated in three categories, including best director for 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 movie, including for best supporting actress (Zhang Yuqi), costume design, production design and visual effects.

The best director honor went to Japan's Ishii Yuya for The Tokyo Night Sky Is Always the Densest Shade of Blue, while China's Dong Yue took home the best new director award.

Hong Kong actress Kara Wai also was bestowed the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award.

The list of Asian Film Award winners is below.

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

Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, 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