By Angela Chen
MACAU (AP) --Hou Hsiao-hsien's painterly martial arts masterpiece "The Assassin" claimed eight wins at the Asian Film Awards, including best film and best director.
The cinematic historical drama was also honored for cinematography and its lead and supporting actresses at the ceremony Thursday night in Macau.
Best-actress winner Shu Qi jokingly thanked the "Band-Aids and medicine" that accompanied her during filming, referring to the rigorous training to prepare for the role.
Taiwanese director Hou did not attend but the film's cinematographer Mark Lee collected the awards on the director's behalf. He thanked the jury, the cast and crew and Hou's supporters in the region.
"The Assassin," a gorgeously filmed story of a female killer faced with an impossible choice between love and duty, was named best film at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards and the veteran Hou won best director at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
Chinese actress Zhou Yun of "The Assassin" was named best-supporting actress, while the best-supporting actor honor went to Japan's Tadanobu Asano for "Journey to the Shore."
Lee Byung hun won best actor for his role in the political thriller "Inside Men." Accepting the award, Lee thanked the director and his co-star, but saved the most important people until last: "I would like to thank my wife and son at home for all the love and support through good times and bad," the South Korean actor said.
In addition to his work in Asia, Lee has enjoyed success in Hollywood, having appeared in "G.I Joe: Retaliation" and "Terminator Genisys."
Lee was invited to last month's Oscars as the only Asian presenter.
After criticism over the lack of ethnic diversity among the nominees, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences added three new governors to its 51-member board and appointed six minority members to other leadership positions. The academy also apologized to Asians for a racially insensitive skit during the ceremony.
Lee said he wasn't aware of the controversy surrounding host Chris Rock's joke, but he said Hollywood needs to generally broaden its definition of diversity.
"It's for all of us actually. For Asians, for Hispanics, for blacks. I think more roles should come to every kind of race," he said.
In its 10th year, the Asian Film Awards celebrate the best talents in Asian cinema. Hong Kong director Johnnie To was the jury president, with actors Sean Lau Chin-wan and Gao Yuanyuan among the film industry figures also on the panel.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More