Osaka Asian Film Festival EXPO 2025 – OAFF 2026 Awards Winners
Grand Prix (Best Picture Award)
The Last Summer [夏墜]
Jury Comments
The script is really engaging, and the director has full control of the film, holding the audience’s attention firmly from the very first second to the last.
Most Promising Talent Award
HONG Sungeun
HONG Sungeun [홍성은]
Director, Some Like It Cold
Jury Comments
In Some Like It Cold, director Hong Sungeun showcases her inventive storytelling, leaving the jury eager to witness her future works.
Special Mention
All Quiet at Sunrise
Jury Comments
Among the eleven films, All Quiet at Sunrise stood out with its distinct approach, radiating overwhelming artistic brilliance.
While exploring the universal theme of separation from parents, it reflects the realities of contemporary China. This multilayered perspective is truly cinematic.
Just as one might be drawn to search for Lucy, the first ancestor of modern-day humans who used language, we found ourselves chasing this film like the “first words of cinema,” eager to savor it deeply.
Maris RACAL
Sunshine, Lead Actor
Jury Comments
Sunshine’s eyes never miss us. Her listening to the pastor and her boyfriend’s words heightened the film’s credibility and drew us in. Racal is a great actress.
Yakushi Pearl Award
Tandin Bidha
I, the Song
Jury Comments
Tandin Bidha’s performance, grounded in a profound understanding of her character, imbued the quietly unfolding, enigmatic narrative of I, The Song with an exceptional tension and dramatic quality.
JAPAN CUTS Award
Ginger Boy
ジンジャー・ボーイ
Jury Comments
We are pleased to present the JAPAN CUTS Award to TANAKA Miki’s Gingerboy, a slow-burn, propulsive work laced with atmosphere and inventive direction. Claustrophobic and unnerving, Gingerboy is a distinct showcase of Tanaka’s craft, visually arresting and confident in its vision.
Housen Short Film Award
First Summer [첫 여름]
Jury Comments
A very compelling character study of an elderly woman’s dilemma in the span of one day. It is well written, features fierce acting and sophisticated directorial execution. Heo Gayoung is an important female voice from Korea. There is no doubt among the jury members that this is the best short.
Special Mention
Milk Lady
ミルクレディ
Jury Comments
For its fierce yet playful spirit, concise storytelling, and precise editing, Milk Lady nourishes its narrative with only what is essential. It redefines the feminine as strong while boldly confronting sexism and workplace patriarchy.
Blue Amber
ブルー・アンバー
Jury Comments
Amidst the mundane routines of daily life, the fluid sexuality of the protagonist is confronted with an ultimate choice. The film vividly captures his inner turmoil through fluid camera work, expansive cinematic spaces, and passionate Latin music.
Audience Award
Truth or Lies
嘘もまことも
