The 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) brought its latest edition to a memorable close with the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), celebrating the finest achievements in international cinema. Guided by the theme Resonance, the festival highlighted the ability of film to connect audiences across cultures, languages and borders while recognising established masters and emerging talents who continue to shape the global film landscape.

A major highlight of the awards ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong. The prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable contribution to world cinema and his influence as one of contemporary cinema's most respected auteurs. With acclaimed works including Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Poetry and Burning, Lee has earned a reputation for creating deeply emotional and thought-provoking films that explore the complexities of human life.


Asian cinema was further celebrated with Chinese actor, filmmaker and action star Wu Jing receiving the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film. His journey from national wushu champion to one of China's most recognised action stars and filmmakers reflects his significant influence on contemporary Asian cinema. Through his dedication to the craft, Wu Jing has helped bring Asian action films to wider international audiences.

The Best Film award was presented to Lucky Lu, directed by Lloyd Lee Choi. The film stood out for its heartfelt narrative and emotional authenticity, exploring universal themes of identity, resilience and belonging. Its success at the awards demonstrates how personal stories can create powerful connections with audiences regardless of cultural background.

Morad Mostafa was named Best Director for Aisha Can't Fly Away, earning praise for his distinctive cinematic approach and sensitive portrayal of displacement, survival and human dignity. The Egyptian filmmaker's work presents a powerful exploration of resilience, delivering a story that resonates through its emotional depth and restrained storytelling.

The acting categories also showcased a diverse range of international talent. Mahendra Perera won Best Actor for his performance as Sergeant Udayasiri in Riverstone, while the Best Actress award was shared by Ong Xuan Jing for Ah Girl and Lila Gueneau for Silent Rebellion. Their performances were recognised for their emotional authenticity, vulnerability and compelling presence on screen.


Riverstone continued its success when Priyantha Sirikumara won Best Supporting Actor, while Audrey Lin (Li Li-li) received Best Supporting Actress for Girl. Their performances contributed significantly to the emotional depth of their respective films and demonstrated the importance of supporting roles in strengthening a film's overall storytelling.

Another major winner was The Red Hangar, which secured two awards for its artistic achievements. Diego Pequeño was named Best Cinematography for his visually striking work, while Luis Emilio Guzmán won Best Screenplay. The film's exploration of military power, history, loyalty and personal conscience was praised for combining compelling storytelling with strong visual artistry.

The New Hope Award went to Ah Girl, directed by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla, recognising the film as an outstanding work from an emerging filmmaker. Presented by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Goutam Ghose, the award celebrates originality, authentic storytelling and fresh artistic perspectives that represent the future of international cinema.


Meanwhile, the Audience Choice Award was awarded to Sirāt, directed by Oliver Laxe. Selected through votes from audiences during the nine-day festival, the film follows a father and son travelling through southern Morocco in search of a missing family member. Its exploration of hope, loss, resilience and family bonds struck a strong emotional connection with festivalgoers.

The conclusion of MIFFest 2026 reinforces the festival's growing role in bringing international cinema to Malaysia while creating a platform for cultural exchange and creative dialogue. Through the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards, the festival celebrated the diverse voices of filmmakers from around the world and demonstrated how powerful storytelling can inspire empathy, encourage meaningful conversations and unite audiences through shared human experiences.