Who won best film at the 2025 Asia Pacific Screen Awards?

Jafar Panahi's "It Was Just an Accident" won the best film award.

What is the Cultural Diversity Award at the APSA?

The Cultural Diversity Award at the APSA recognizes films that promote cultural understanding and exchange, awarded this year to "Black Red Yellow" from Kyrgyzstan.

Which countries were represented at the 2025 Asia Pacific Screen Awards?

The awards celebrated filmmaking from 24 countries and regions across the Asia Pacific.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Iran's Panahi Dominates APS Awards

Iran's Panahi Dominates APS Awards

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Jafar Panahi's film won both best film and best director awards.
The awards celebrated filmmaking from 24 Asia Pacific countries.
A new film fund awarded grants to projects from four countries.

Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi achieved top honors at the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, with his film "It Was Just an Accident" securing both best film and best director accolades. The event showcased a wide spectrum of talent from across the Asia Pacific region.

Other notable wins included "Lost Land" for Jury Grand Prize, "Amoeba" for best youth film, and "The Square" for best animated film. Documentary filmmaking was recognized with "Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk" winning best documentary, while "Always" received a special mention. The awards also celebrated achievements in screenplay, cinematography, performance, and cultural diversity.

Beyond individual film awards, the ceremony announced recipients of the 2025 MPA APSA Academy Film Fund grants, supporting new projects from Thailand, Syria, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Producer Greer Simpkin was honored for her outstanding contribution to film in the Asia Pacific region, underscoring the event's commitment to fostering cinematic excellence and collaboration.