For the shows that genuinely make us laugh out loud. In the spirit of today’s multi-platform universe, we don’t mind where or how the programme was distributed (broadcast, streaming or online) provided it is not a single clip, one-off sketch or random viral moment (however funny that may be). Eligible entries must be narrative programmes of at least 23 minutes per episode, with a clear beginning, middle and end. Judges will look for strong storytelling, memorable comic characters, sharp writing and humour that lands – whether broad, satirical, absurd or dark.

This category recognises outstanding current affairs programming produced in Asia for a specific domestic market. Eligible entries include social issues, cultural affairs, political analysis, investigative reporting and crime exposés. In other words, programmes that go beyond the headlines to unpack complex issues, provide context and examine the broader implications of unfolding events. Entries must be a single programme of at least 23 minutes, or one full episode from a series that explores a defined issue in depth. Judges will assess editorial rigour, depth of research, clarity of storytelling, public interest value and overall impact within the target market.

This category recognises outstanding current affairs programming produced in Asia for regional and/or international audiences. It is separate from the single-market award to reflect the distinct scale, editorial framing and cross-border relevance required when addressing multiple markets. Eligible entries include programmes tackling social issues, cultural affairs, political analysis, investigative reporting and crime exposés – content that moves beyond headlines to provide depth, context and insight, untangle complex situations, and examine the broader implications of unfolding events. Entries must be a single programme of at least 23 minutes, or one full episode of a series exploring a defined issue, structured to engage audiences across multiple territories. Judges will assess editorial rigour, clarity of storytelling, regional or global relevance, and overall impact.

When asked about the qualities of a great director, one seasoned programming executive told us: “If you care about something in a film, it’s because the director made you care.” That instinct – to move audiences, to command tone, to shape performance and to hold a narrative together – sits at the heart of this award. This category honours the director of a scripted television series made in Asia whose creative vision elevates the material beyond expectation. We’re looking for directors who bring clarity of storytelling, mastery of craft and the confidence to take risks… those who, in Quentin Tarantino’s words, aim to “top expectations… to blow you away.” Judges will consider overall vision, performance direction, pacing, visual language and the director’s contribution to the series’ creative impact.

This category recognises outstanding drama series produced in Asia for multiple markets across the region or for regional and international/global audiences. It honours storytelling that travels – whether through universal themes, cross-cultural appeal or narratives designed to resonate beyond a single domestic market. Entries will be judged on creative ambition, narrative strength, production values and their ability to engage audiences across territories. Judges will consider the scale and coherence of the series, character depth and thematic relevance in a broader regional or global context. Eligible episodes must be at least 23 minutes long.

This category recognises original factual entertainment programmes created in Asia for a specific domestic market. Eligible entries must not be based on existing formats (from Asia or abroad); a separate category applies to format adaptations. Programmes may include dating, cooking, travel, social experiments, DIY or makeover shows — in short, unscripted content rooted in real situations that informs, entertains and offers audiences insight into places, people and practical life experiences. Entries will be judged on originality, relevance to the target market, storytelling strength, production quality and the programme’s ability to engage and resonate with its intended audience.

This category recognises original factual entertainment programmes produced in Asia for audiences across multiple Asian territories and/or international markets. Eligible entries must not be based on existing formats (from Asia or abroad); a separate category applies to format adaptations. Programmes may include dating, cooking, travel, social experiments, DIY or makeover shows – i.e. unscripted content rooted in real situations that informs, entertains and offers practical or cultural insight across markets. Entries will be judged on originality, cross-border appeal, storytelling strength, production quality and their ability to resonate with diverse audiences beyond a single domestic territory.

Factual is as factual does: true stories, real information and storytelling that is as honest and transparent as possible (with clear disclosure where recreation or re-enactment is used). This category recognises factual programmes produced in Asia and targeted at a single domestic market. Eligible entries may explore real events, situations, people, animals or the natural world, with the purpose of informing, illuminating and deepening audience understanding. Judges will assess editorial integrity, depth of research, clarity of storytelling, production quality and the programme’s relevance and impact within its intended market.

For reasons of scale, focus, budget and cross-border relevance, this category is separate from factual programmes primarily targeting a single Asian market. It recognises factual productions made in Asia for regional and/or international audiences. The core criteria remain unchanged: true stories, real information and storytelling that is as honest and transparent as possible, with clear disclosure where recreation or re-enactment is used. Eligible entries must be centred on real events, actual situations, real people, animals or the natural world. The category does not include scripted series merely “based on a true story” where events have been substantially dramatised, nor does it include factual entertainment (see Best Factual Entertainment Programme). Judges will assess editorial integrity, depth of research, clarity of storytelling, production quality and the programme’s relevance and impact across multiple markets.

This award honours a female lead whose performance is so compelling that we forget we are watching an actor at work. It recognises artists who dissolve the line between fact and fiction… whose physical, emotional and psychological commitment brings a character fully and convincingly to life. Judges will look for authenticity, depth, nuance and screen presence, as well as the performer’s ability to carry narrative weight and anchor the story. The award celebrates performances in which the person disappears and the character remains.

From the days of Steamboat Willie and Snow White to today’s dynamic, multi-platform universe, children’s storytelling has evolved dramatically. This category recognises outstanding entertainment created in Asia for audiences under the age of 13, whether animated, live-action or a hybrid of both. Entries will be judged on their ability to captivate and engage a clearly defined age group with content that is imaginative, age-appropriate and meaningful. Judges will consider storytelling quality, originality, character development, visual execution and the programme’s ability to spark curiosity, encourage empathy and deliver positive life lessons. Eligible episodes must have a minimum running time of seven minutes.

This category recognises outstanding programmes produced in Asia that centre on LGBTQ+ themes, storylines and characters. It honours storytelling that reflects authenticity, diversity and emotional truth, and that contributes meaningfully to representation on screen. Eligible entries may span all genres – drama, comedy, factual or unscripted – provided LGBTQ+ narratives and perspectives are integral to the programme. Judges will assess depth of characterisation, narrative strength, cultural resonance and overall impact. The award follows in the footsteps of previous winners including Thamepo Heart That Skips A Beat (GMMTV Co., Ltd., Thailand, 2025), Last Twilight (GMM TV Co., Ltd., Thailand, 2024), and Moonlight Chicken (GMMTV Co., Ltd., Thailand, 2023).

This award honours a male lead whose performance is so immersive that we forget we are watching an actor at work. It recognises artists who dissolve the line between fact and fiction, whose physical, emotional and psychological commitment allows the character to fully inhabit the screen. Judges will look for authenticity, depth and nuance, as well as the performer’s ability to carry narrative weight and anchor the story. The award celebrates performances in which the individual disappears and the character remains.

This category recognises outstanding feature-length productions — including movies and telemovies — produced in Asia and exhibited on television broadcast and/or streaming platforms. Eligible entries must be full-length works crafted for screen audiences beyond a purely theatrical release, with a confirmed window on TV or digital platforms. Judges will assess storytelling strength, directorial vision, performance, production quality and overall creative impact. The award honours cinematic excellence made in Asia for today’s multi-platform world.

Game shows are as old as television itself, and this category honours original made-in-Asia programmes that carry forward the enduring tradition of competition for a prize. Eligible entries must be original concepts (not format adaptations) built around contestants competing through quizzes, physical or mental challenges, skills, strategy or sheer staying power. Judges will assess originality of format, clarity of mechanics, pacing, entertainment value, audience engagement and overall production execution. The award celebrates game shows that innovate while preserving the timeless thrill of competition.

This category recognises original reality programmes created and produced in Asia that are not adapted from existing formats. Eligible entries should embody the core elements of reality television – unscripted or constructed situations featuring ordinary people or celebrities placed in defined environments or scenarios designed to generate engaging, entertaining outcomes. While many reality programmes include a competition element, this is not a requirement. Judges will assess originality of concept, authenticity, casting, narrative structure, production execution and overall audience engagement. The award honours reality storytelling that feels immediate, compelling and distinctly made in Asia.

Songs can make or break a production. This category recognises outstanding original songs created in Asia specifically for a television series, programme or movie produced in Asia. Eligible entries must have been commissioned for the nominated production. Judges will assess musical and lyrical quality, originality and performance, as well as how effectively the song enhances the production’s themes, tone and emotional impact. Consideration will also be given to whether the song demonstrates resonance and appeal beyond the screen — standing on its own while remaining inseparable from the story it serves.

This category recognises outstanding sports magazine programmes produced in Asia that inform, analyse and entertain sports audiences. Eligible entries include studio-based or field-driven programmes that keep fans up to date with news, results, analysis, expert commentary, interviews and in-depth features. Judges will assess editorial quality, insight, storytelling, presentation style, production values and the programme’s ability to engage audiences with the personalities, issues and moments shaping the world of sport. The award honours sports coverage that goes beyond the scoreboard to deliver context, character and compelling narrative.

At the heart of this category is the art of the cliffhanger. We’re looking for series that master momentum, pacing and suspense – episodes that hook instantly, escalate quickly and leave audiences desperate for the next instalment. Judges will assess narrative precision, character economy, emotional punch and, above all, the strength and effectiveness of the cliffhanger that drives binge-worthy engagement. This award recognises excellence in microdrama drama storytelling — ultra-short narratives built for fast, high-impact viewing.

This award recognises outstanding achievement in sound design for a television programme or series produced in Asia. It honours the creative and technical excellence behind the audio landscape that shapes atmosphere, tension, emotion and immersion. Judges will consider the integration of dialogue, sound effects, ambience and score, as well as originality, clarity and the overall contribution of sound to storytelling. The award celebrates work that elevates the viewing experience… where sound is not merely supportive, but integral to the narrative impact.

This award recognises a male actor in a substantial supporting role in a television programme or series produced in Asia. While not the central lead, the performance must play a significant part in shaping the narrative and advancing the story. Judges will look for depth, nuance and screen presence – performances that enrich the world of the programme, elevate key moments and leave a lasting impact. The award honours actors whose contribution may not headline the story, but without whom the story would not be the same.

This award recognises a female actor in a substantial supporting role in a television programme or series produced in Asia. While not the central lead, her performance must be integral to the development of the story and the journey of the main character. Judges will look for depth, nuance and emotional resonance — performances that strengthen narrative arcs, elevate key scenes and enrich the overall world of the programme. The award honours actresses whose presence may not headline the production, but without whom the story would not be the same.

This category recognises excellence in the adaptation of scripted television formats for audiences in Asia. Eligible entries include Asian adaptations of drama series originating from any market – within Asia or internationally – produced for a specific Asian territory or for multiple markets across the region. Judges will assess the strength of localisation, cultural relevance, writing and casting, as well as how effectively the adaptation honours the original IP while delivering a compelling and distinctive version for its new audience.

PLEASE NOTE: Format rights HAVE to have been acquired from a third party in order to be eligible for this category.

This category recognises excellence in the adaptation of non-scripted television formats for audiences in Asia. Eligible entries include local or international formats reimagined for a specific Asian market or for multiple territories across the region. Judges will assess the strength of localisation, cultural relevance, casting and production execution, as well as how effectively the adaptation retains the core appeal of the original format while delivering fresh energy and authenticity for its new audience.

PLEASE NOTE: Format rights HAVE to have been acquired from a third party in order to be eligible for this category.

This category recognises outstanding variety programmes produced in Asia that blend a diverse mix of entertainment elements. These may include music, comedy, dance, talent segments, games or other performance-based content – the defining feature is the dynamic combination of formats within a single show. Audience participation may be part of the structure, but it is not a requirement. Whether staged with a live audience or not, and regardless of the number of hosts, the essence of this category is the richness and balance of its entertainment mix. As with all Awards categories, distribution platform is not a factor; eligible entries may air or stream anywhere, provided they are long-form (minimum 23 minutes per episode) and deliver strong personality, pace and entertainment value.