Old Boy roars to success in Tigers

Revenge drama nets top award in new Asian film competition

by Amber Wilkinson

Korean film Old Boy romped to victory in the first ever Tiger Awards.

The Korean revenge drama about a prisoner who is released after years in jail, won best film, best actor (Choi Min-Sik), Best Director and best new Director( Park Chan-Wook) and best soundtrack.

Hero, House of Flying Daggers and Shaolin Soccer were among other winners.

"Presenter of Radio 4's Back Row and judge of The Tigers Joe Cornish said: "Even the slowest film fans are now starting to realise that Hollywood has lost it, and Asian cinema has most definitely found it. While the US studios squander millions publicising identikit crowd pleasers, Asian films are slowly and surely winning people's devotion with levels of diversity, originality and imagination that mainstream cinema has long forgotten."

"If you want to see genuinely brilliant filmmaking championed or find out about films that could reinvigorate your love for cinema, The Tigers are the awards to watch."

Laura De Casto, managing director Tartan Film, distributor of Oldboy said; "We're delighted that Oldboy is continuing to receive critical acclaim and that it has been recognised as a great movie by The Tigers. We're proud Tartan Films is at the forefront of showcasing stunning cinema from Asia and will continue to do so."

The Tigers will be celebrated at an exclusive screening at the end of June.

Tigers Winning Entrants

Best Film: Old Boy

Best Actress: Ziyi Zhang, House of Flying Daggers

Best Actor: Choi Min-Sik, Old Boy

Best Director: Park Chan-Wook, Old Boy

Best Drama/Comedy/Musical: Shaolin Soccer

Best Martial Arts: Hero

Best Thriller/Horror: Memories of Murder

Best Animation: Grave of Fireflies

Best Newcomer: Aya Ueto, Azumi

Best Debut Film: Natural City

Best Special Effects - Visual: Hero

Best Special Effects - Audio: The Grudge

Best Soundtrack: Old Boy

Best costume/Wardrobe: House of Flying Daggers

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film