The Asian Academy Creative Awards has revealed the 2025 National Winners, uniting the creative forces of 16 countries with 331 entries in what is described as the region’s biggest spotlight on Asia Pacific achievements. The upcoming celebration features Cate Blanchett and Jacob Elordi as prominent contenders, raising the global profile of the event and showcasing the diversity and excellence of television and film across the continent. The focus keyword, Cate Blanchett Asian Academy Awards, captures one of this year’s headline nominations, reflecting the ceremony‘s growing international reach.
Unprecedented Diversity and International Influence in This Year’s Shortlist
Iconic actors Cate Blanchett and Jacob Elordi headline a competitive slate for the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards. Blanchett, a two-time Oscar laureate, is nominated for her Emmy-nominated role in Apple TV+’s “Disclaimer,” marking Apple TV’s first participation at the awards. Elordi stands as Australia’s frontrunner for his performance in Prime Video’s
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North.”
The event is expected to attract attention from buyers, distributors, co-producers, casting, and talent agents due to its extensive curation of the region’s best content and storytelling.
As stated by AACA chair Beverley McGarvey, who presides over Network 10 and heads streaming for Paramount Australia and New Zealand:
Our region is sending the world a strong message this year, via the Asian Academy Creative Awards, with a record number of entries, a record number of judges for the National Round, up 30% on last year, and a record number of companies entering, 176 in all. For buyers, distributors, casting and talent agents, co-producers, this is a truly one-stop curation of the best our region has to offer.
— Beverley McGarvey, Chair AACA, President Network 10 & Head of Streaming, Paramount Australia and New Zealand
Blanchett’s nomination in the best actress in a leading role category stands out among a diverse set of nominees, which includes Kim Minha from Korea for “Pachinko” season two, and Jodi Sta. Maria of the Philippines aiming to claim the trophy for a second time. Youn Yuh-jung, an Oscar winner herself, will compete in the best supporting actress category for her work in “Pachinko.” Other notable nominees come from all corners of the region, highlighting a fierce and geographically diverse race.
Australia, Korea, India, and Beyond: High-Profile National Winners
The battle for best actor and actress categories features talent across Australia, Korea, Chinese Mainland, and more. Jacob Elordi secures his place for
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North”
while Li Xian carries the Chinese Mainland hopes for “A Love Never Lost.” Park Bo-gum, the Korean superstar, stands out in the fiercely contested field.
In the best actress segment, Cate Blanchett’s nomination reinforces the event’s global gravitas. Competing alongside Blanchett are Bai Lu for “Feud” (Chinese Mainland), Neena Gupta from India for “Panchayat,” and Kim Minha representing Korea with her acclaimed work in “Pachinko.” The Philippines is represented by Jodi Sta. Maria, while other nations like Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia boast nominees such as Cheryl Yang, Yuriyan Retriever, Jesseca Liu, and Michelle Yim.
Supporting role categories are equally dynamic, with Hugo Weaving (“How To Make Gravy”) representing Australia, and Youn Yuh-jung entering the fray for Korea. Notably, Singapore’s young Ivory Chia is nominated in the best supporting actress category for
“Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story.”
Regional Content and Streamer Debuts Showcase Asia Pacific’s Range
Apple TV+ makes its debut at the Asian Academy Awards, reflecting a shift as streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and local services claim significant numbers of nominations and wins. “Black Warrant” earned six wins for India, while Netflix’s “Mad Unicorn” scored five national nominations for Thailand. The drama series category illustrates the region’s creative expanse, featuring
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North,”
China’s
“Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty: To The West,”
India’s “Suzhal – The Vortex” Season 2, and Korea’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines.”
Popular on Netflix, “Black Warrant” and “Mad Unicorn” have highlighted script-driven excellence in India and Thailand, respectively. In Australia, “How To Make Gravy” achieved three National wins, while India’s “Traitors” is in pursuit of matching the show’s recent Emmy triumphs.
The ceremony, which will be held at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on December 4, 2025, is paired with the annual winners conference from December 3-4. The event will continue to be a major destination for networking and industry insight, attracting leaders from around the world.
A Closer Look at Key Acting Categories and Their Contenders
The 2025 National Winners feature a compelling assembly of actors and actresses. For best actor in a leading role, the representatives are:
- Australia: Jacob Elordi – “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” (Curio Pictures)
- Chinese Mainland: Li Xian – “A Love Never Lost” (iQIYI, CMC Studios)
- Hong Kong SAR: Owen Cheung – “Anonymous Signal” (TVB)
- India: Zahan Zapoor – “Black Warrant” (Netflix, Andolan Production, Applause Entertainment)
- Indonesia: Arya Saloka – “Lembayung” (Prime Eagle Studio & Tiger Wong Production)
- Japan: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi – “Bullet Train Explosion” (Netflix, Episcope)
- Korea: Park Bo-gum – “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (Netflix, PAN Entertainment, Baram Pictures)
- Malaysia: Dato’ Hilal Azman – “Memori” (Creative Stew)
- Philippines: Dennis Trillo – “Green Bones” (GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, Brightburn Entertainment)
- Singapore: Richie Koh – “Coded Love” (August Pictures, Mediacorp)
- Taiwan: Vic Chou – “The World Between Us: After the Flames S2” (PTS Taiwan, CATCHPLAY, Damou Entertainment)
- Thailand: Natara Nopparatayapon – “Mad Unicorn” (Netflix, GDH 559)
Supporting actors include Hugo Weaving for Australia, Nicholas Yuen for Hong Kong SAR, and Ranvir Shorey for India, among others. The actress categories offer:
- Australia: Cate Blanchett – “Disclaimer” (Apple TV+, Apple Studios, Esperanto Filmoj and Anonymous Content)
- Chinese Mainland: Bai Lu – “Feud” (iQIYI, Huanyu Entertainment)
- Hong Kong SAR: Kelly Fu – “D.I.D. 12” (TVB)
- India: Neena Gupta – “Panchayat” Season 4 (The Viral Fever, Amazon Prime Video, Contagious Online Media Network)
- Indonesia: Megan Domani – “Sugar Daddy” (Viu, Vision+, Unlimited Production)
- Japan: Yuriyan Retriever – “The Queen of Villains” (Netflix, Kadokawa)
- Korea: Minha Kim – “Pachinko S2” (Apple TV+, Media Res / Blue Marble Pictures in association with Apple)
- Malaysia: Michelle Yim – “The Great Resonance” (Astro Malaysia)
- Myanmar: Yamin May Oo – “Unbreakable Vows” (Canal+ Myanmar, Dreamwalkerz Production)
- Philippines: Jodi Sta. Maria – “Untold” (Regal Entertainment)
- Singapore: Jesseca Liu – “Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story” (Mediacorp)
- Taiwan: Cheryl Yang – “Born for the Spotlight” (Netflix, Third Man Entertainment)
- Thailand: Janeyeh Jiranorraphat – “Mad Unicorn” (Netflix, GDH 559)
The supporting actress category includes Aisha Dee for Australia and Youn Yuh-jung for Korea, with Sharifah Sakinah (Malaysia) and Ivory Chia (Singapore) also recognized.
Outstanding Series, Feature Films, and Regional Programs
Beyond performance, the awards highlight a vast range of creative categories.
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North”
is Australia’s pick for best drama series, joined by
“Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty: To The West”
(Chinese Mainland), “Suzhal – The Vortex” (India), “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (Korea), and
“Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story”
(Singapore), which also brings nominations for actress Jessica Liu and young talent Ivory Chia.
Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video dominate several scripted categories, with “Black Warrant” leading for India and “Mad Unicorn” for Thailand. Australia’s “How To Make Gravy” took home three national wins, including best feature film, while India’s “Traitors” and “Stolen” made impressive gains on the nomination list.
Meanwhile, Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” continues to collect international accolades, with Arvin Chen representing Taiwan in the best direction (fiction) category.
Award Categories and Recognized Excellence Across the Arts
The Asian Academy Creative Awards cover a rich variety of genres and achievements:
- Best Actor/Actress in a Comedy Role: Acknowledging comedic performances across the continent, including Asher Keddie (Australia), Jinny Ng (Hong Kong), and others.
- Best Direction (Fiction and Non-Fiction): Highlighting visionaries such as Mohini Herse (Australia), Kazuya Shiraishi (Japan), Kim Won-suk (Korea), and Sue Kim (Korea), among others.
- Best Documentary Program, Series, and History: Featuring entries like “Unbreakable – The Jelena Dokic Story” (Australia), “No Poverty Land IV – One Belt One Road” (Hong Kong SAR), and “The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan.”
- Best Drama, Feature Film, Animation, and Children’s Program: Ranging from “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” to “Space Nova” (Australia), and programs like “Lamput Season 4, Tall Tales” (Singapore).
- Best Screenplay, Sound, and Cinematography: Honoring writers like Meg Washington & Nick Waterman (“How To Make Gravy”) and Lim Sang-choon (“When Life Gives You Tangerines”), alongside composers, editors, and visual creatives.
The awards also shine a light on regional interests such as lifestyle, infotainment, quiz, game, and music programs, further demonstrating the event’s commitment to encompassing all aspects of creative content.
Global Significance, Industry Opportunities, and What Lies Ahead
The competition’s record entries and cross-continental participation have enhanced the Asian Academy Creative Awards’ reputation as a destination for discovery, industry innovation, and new voices. With industry juggernauts like Cate Blanchett and Jacob Elordi among this year’s nominees, the event underscores its relevance for global decision-makers, talent scouts, and creative leaders alike.
A record 176 companies are competing, with the number of judges rising 30% compared to the previous year—a reflection of the surge in submission and industry buy-in. The ceremony at Singapore’s historic Capitol Theatre, followed by the Academy’s annual winners’ conference, will set the stage for future collaborations and industry growth. The event offers a vital platform for deals, talent acquisition, and creative exchange in Asia Pacific entertainment.
As the world tunes in on December 4, the spotlight will focus not only on the acclaimed talents of nominees such as Cate Blanchett (Apple TV+, “Disclaimer”) and Jacob Elordi (
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North”
) but also on the region’s unsung heroes in production, direction, and technical artistry. The significance of the awards lies not only in recognizing top-tier achievements, but also in propelling Asia Pacific content to the forefront of global entertainment.
