BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA— Filmmaker Jafar Panahi dominated the 17th annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) on Sunday, securing both the Best Feature Film and Best Director accolades for his Palme d’Or-winning drama, A True Iranian Accident. The awards ceremony, held in Brisbane, celebrated cinematic excellence across the vast Asia-Pacific region, with notable wins also going to Japan and Hong Kong.

Panahi’s latest work, a poignant yet incisive look at modern Iranian life, was a clear frontrunner, reaffirming its status following its premiere success at Cannes. The dual victory underscores the film’s critical reception and its profound resonance with international juries. Panahi, often hailed for his unique narrative voice, accepted the awards virtually, as the event highlighted cinema’s power to bridge cultural divides.

The evening also saw significant recognition for emerging talent and nuanced storytelling from Japan. The drama Impressionist Girl earned two major trophies, including Best Screenplay for its intricate narrative structure and Best New Actor for Yui Suzuki, marking a strong debut performance that captivated the panel.

A compelling highlight of the ceremony was the Gender-Neutral Best Performance Award, a category designed to recognize outstanding acting without traditional gender segregation. Veteran Hong Kong actor Sean Lau (Lau Ching-wan) took home the coveted prize for his moving portrayal in the generational drama Papa. Lau’s performance in the acclaimed family film edged out strong competition, notably surpassing Xin Zhilei, the Venice Film Festival Best Actress winner for The Sun Hanging in the Sky. This win solidifies Lau’s enduring influence on regional cinema and reinforces the growing trend towards inclusive award categories globally.

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards, founded to promote and celebrate the cultural diversity and artistic achievements of the area stretching from the Middle East to Oceania, utilized the ceremony to champion films that tackle complex social themes. The diverse roster of winners reflects the vibrant, multifaceted narrative landscape of the region’s film industries.

Key Takeaways from the 17th APSA:

• Iranian cinema continues to hold a dominant position on the global stage, with Panahi’s win affirming its sustained critical relevance.
• Japan showcased emerging talent, securing wins for both screenplay mastery and fresh acting talent.
• The Gender-Neutral Best Performance category highlighted exceptional acting, positioning cinema excellence beyond traditional labels.

The APSA proceedings, delivered via a hybrid format, ensure that the significant contributions of filmmakers across 71 countries and areas are acknowledged, promoting broader international distribution and collaboration in the years ahead.