Asian Film Awards 2021 Winners List: Yoo Ah In, ‘Squid Game’ star Lee Byung Hun, and more

Following last year’s online-only edition, this year's awards were presented at an in-person ceremony at the ongoing Busan International Film Festival in South Korea

Justin Alexandra Convento

October 11, 2021, 07:50 PM

Some incredible talents in film that attended the ceremony in person included Aoi Yu (Wife of a Spy), Yoo Ah In (Voice of Silence), and Lee Byung Hun, who was honored for Excellence in Asian cinema | Getty Images/Wire Image

Last October 8 saw the 15th Asian Film Awards (AFA) returning to an in-person ceremony format at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea with many of the winners in attendance or accepting their awards by video teleconferencing. Some incredible talents in film that attended the ceremony in person included Yoo Ah In (Voice of Silence), Lee Byung Hun, and Aoi Yu (Wife of a Spy).

Veteran Japanese filmmaker Kurosawa Kiyoshi’s period action drama Wife of a Spy was the biggest winner of the evening. It collected three major prizes including the best film award, best actress, and best costume design. Best director went to Chinese veteran Zhang Yimou for his tribute to cinema One Second, with the film earning Liu Haocun the best newcomer award.

"As with the recognition for Parasite last year, native sentiments are shared simultaneously throughout the world and regardless of language," said Lee Byung Hun in his acceptance speech for Excellence in Asian cinema award | 15th Asian Film Festival 2021

Lee Byung Hun was honored at this year's ceremony with the Excellence in Asian cinema award. In his acceptance speech, he expressed pride for the current success of Netflix series Squid Game, in which he played a very important role. He says: "As with the recognition for Parasite last year, native sentiments are shared simultaneously throughout the world and regardless of language."

The complete list of winners at the Asian Film Awards 2021 below: