The 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards brought together award-winning filmmakers, actors and international guests in a celebration of cinematic excellence at the conclusion of the 9th Malaysia International Film Festival.
The 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) concluded on a spectacular note with the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), celebrating exceptional cinematic achievements from around the world while reaffirming this year’s festival theme, Resonance. Bringing together acclaimed filmmakers, celebrated actors and rising talents, the awards honoured stories that transcend borders and cultures, recognising the artistry and enduring impact of cinema.
A Master Storyteller Honoured
Lee Chang-dong is honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards, recognising his lasting impact on international cinema.
The evening’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong, recognising his extraordinary contribution to world cinema and lasting influence on generations of filmmakers. Widely regarded as one of contemporary cinema’s defining auteurs, Lee’s acclaimed works, including Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Poetry and Burning, are celebrated for their emotional depth, literary sensibility and compassionate exploration of the human condition.
Celebrating an Icon of Asian Action Cinema
Wu Jing receives the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film at the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards in recognition of his remarkable contributions to Asian cinema.
Chinese actor, filmmaker and action icon Wu Jing received the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film, honouring his remarkable contribution to contemporary Asian cinema. From his beginnings as a national wushu champion to becoming one of China’s most influential action stars and filmmakers, Wu Jing has continually elevated the action genre while inspiring audiences worldwide.
“Lucky Lu” Takes the Festival’s Highest Honour
The coveted Best Film award was presented to Lucky Lu, directed by Lloyd Lee Choi. The film impressed the international jury with its heartfelt storytelling, emotional authenticity and nuanced exploration of identity, resilience and belonging.
Lucky Lu receives the Best Film award at the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards.
Morad Mostafa Recognised for Visionary Filmmaking
Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa received the Best Director award for Aisha Can’t Fly Away, recognised for its assured cinematic vision and compelling exploration of displacement, survival and human dignity.
Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa is honoured with the Best Director award for Aisha Can’t Fly Away at the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards.
Powerful Performances Take Centre Stage
Sri Lankan actor Mahendra Perera won Best Actor for his portrayal of Sergeant Udayasiri in Riverstone. The Best Actress honour was shared by Ong Xuan Jing for Ah Girl and Lila Gueneau for Silent Rebellion, with both recognised for their emotional honesty and compelling screen presence.
Supporting performance awards went to Priyantha Sirikumara, who received Best Supporting Actor for Riverstone, and Audrey Lin, who won Best Supporting Actress for Girl.
Audrey Lin receives the Best Supporting Actress award for Girl.
A Double Win for The Red Hangar
The Red Hangar claimed two major awards for its artistic achievements. Diego Pequeño received Best Cinematography for the film’s striking visual storytelling, while Luis Emilio Guzmán won Best Screenplay for a nuanced script balancing intimate human drama with the complexities of history, loyalty and conscience.
A New Voice for World Cinema
Presented by renowned Indian filmmaker Goutam Ghose, the New Hope Award went to Ah Girl, directed by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla, recognising an outstanding work by an emerging filmmaker with a distinctive artistic voice.
The Audience Has Their Say
The Audience Choice Award, voted by festival audiences throughout the nine-day celebration, was presented to Sirāt, directed by Oliver Laxe. The film follows a father and son searching for a missing family member across the deserts of southern Morocco, evolving into a moving exploration of hope, loss, resilience and family.
Cinema That Continues to Resonate
As the curtain falls on its ninth edition, the Malaysia International Film Festival continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading international film festivals, championing diverse voices and fostering cultural exchange through cinema. Guided by this year’s theme, Resonance, the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards celebrated not only outstanding artistic achievement, but also the enduring power of storytelling to inspire empathy, spark conversation and build lasting connections across the world.
