Tahir Alhamzah
GENTING HIGHLANDS : Malaysian artistes Azira Shafinaz and Fabian Loo were named the Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor at the awards night of the 61st Asia-Pacific Film Festival held here last night.
Azira, 33, won the award for her portrayal in the film titled Indera, while Loo, 34, won his for his character played in the movie Rain Town.
In her acceptance speech, Azira said this was a surprise win, as she didn't expect it at all but felt grateful all the same.
"I'm thankful to the jury who chose me to receive this award, and seeing that this is an internationally acclaimed awards show, I'm doubly fortunate to accept this," she said.
Meanwhile, Loo who was not at the event as he is currently involved in another project, was represented by the movie director Tunku Mona Riza who accepted the trophy on his behalf.
The awards show also presented legendary Hong Kong star and martial artist Sammo Hung with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Apart from artistes and film industry personalities from the region, the event was also attended by the National Film Development Corporation chairman Datuk Kamil Othman, Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific secretary-general N. Pansha, and the event's organising chairman Aron Koh.