Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s ‘All of a Sudden’ and ‘Elephants in the Fog’ Lead Asia PacificScreen Awards Nominations

Nominations Revealed for the 19th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy has announced the nominations for its 19th awards, with Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s ‘All of a Sudden’ and Abinash Bikram Shah’s ‘Elephants in the Fog’ leading the charge, each receiving three nominations. This announcement was reported by Variety on September 9, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for October 30, 2026, in Australia.

Both films are recognized in key categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Performance, showcasing the international diversity of cinematic storytelling. The awards feature a total of 36 films from 32 countries and regions, highlighting the broad talent pool present in the Asia Pacific film industry.

Key Nominations for ‘All of a Sudden’ and ‘Elephants in the Fog’

Hamaguchi's ‘All of a Sudden’, a collaborative production involving filmmakers from France, Japan, Germany, and Belgium, is vying for accolades alongside ‘Elephants in the Fog’, a multi-national project featuring contributions from Nepal, Germany, Brazil, France, and Norway. Both directors face competition in the directing category from notable names such as Sompot Chidgasornpongse for ‘9 Temples to Heaven’, Aung Phyoe for ‘Fruit Gathering’, and Jennifer Peedom for ‘Tenzing’.

Additionally, three other films hold two nominations each in the Best Film category: Shahrbanoo Sadat’s ‘No Good Men’, Levan Koguashvili’s ‘Guria’, and Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s ‘9 Temples to Heaven’. This year’s awards showcase a significant trend, as 69% of nominated directors are helming their first or second feature films.

Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s ‘All of a Sudden’: Emphasis on International Collaboration in Film

During the nominations announcement, Tracey Vieira, chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, noted the importance of international collaboration in this year’s films. The nominations include several cross-border pairings, such as Virginie Efira and Okamoto Tao, jointly nominated for their performances in ‘All of a Sudden’. The emphasis on collaboration reflects a growing trend wherein filmmakers from various countries work together, enriching the storytelling landscape of the region.

The award categories extend beyond traditional films to recognize achievements in screenplay, cinematography, youth films, as well as animated and documentary films. Notably, the Best Performance category remains ungendered, reflecting a more inclusive recognition of talent.

Asia Pacific Screen Forum to Precede the Awards Ceremony

Aligned with the awards, the Asia Pacific Screen Forum will take place from October 28 to October 30 on the Gold Coast. This event will focus on industry discussions related to financing, distribution, and cross-border collaboration. It will include expert sessions and masterclasses led by industry professionals, such as Mandy Walker, who chairs the international jury this year. Mayor Tom Tate remarked on the Gold Coast's growing status as a creative hub for the Asia Pacific region.

What this means

The nominations for the 19th Asia Pacific Screen Awards emphasize diverse storytelling and international collaboration, highlighting significant works from notable filmmakers in the region. With many directors gaining recognition early in their careers, this could indicate a promising future for Asia Pacific cinema on the global stage.

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