MUMBAI: The fifth edition of the Asian Film awards saw South Korean shine with it winning best director, best screenplay, best actor, best supporting actress and best editing awards.

The awards held in conjunction with the Hong Kong International Film Festival, featured a tough competition among some of the most renowned Asian cineastes, but it was marked by many absences in the aftermath of the disastrous earthquakes in Japan, and ovations were respectful rather than enthusiastic. 

Thailand’s Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives won the best film award while Lee Chang-dong won prizes for both best director and screenplay. Ha Jung-woo won best actor award for his role in the Korean thriller, Yellow Sea.

Kim Dong-ho, former director of the Busan International Film Festival (formerly PIFF), was honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Asian Cinema award. Three esteemed directors ? Lee, China’s Jia Zhangke and the Philippines’ Brillante Mendoza presented the golden trophy to Kim.