Singaporean filmmaker Siyou Tan is known for genre-hopping works that invite audiences into worlds of rebellion and freedom. After studying film at Wesleyan University and the prestigious American Film Institute, her short films like Hello Ahma and Strawberry Cheesecake mesmerised audiences at major festivals like Toronto and Locarno with their captivating explorations of family, identity and cultural heritage. Beyond filmmaking, this award-winning visual artist has collaborated with iconic brands like Chanel, Mercedes and Nike. Currently, in the Philippines, Tan is casting for young actors in their late teens and early 20s for her first feature film, Amoeba.

She expressed her passion for cinema: “Movies hold a special place in my heart. I relish the solitude of a dimly lit theatre, where I lose myself in the unfolding narrative. The characters’ trials and tribulations mirror my emotions, rendering them authentic. With its transformative power, cinema becomes my sanctuary—a form of therapy that resonates long after the credits roll. For those fleeting two hours, I inhabit a realm crafted solely by the magic of film.”

Best picture: Anatomy of a Fall

“You know a film will be good when it starts with 50 Cent’s P.I.M.P. beat beating down on you in the cinema. Jokes aside, I think Anatomy of a Fall has all the elements of a well-constructed film from its acting, directing, writing and music. As the story progresses, your feelings about the characters shift, leaving you with mixed emotions rather than neat conclusions. It raises questions about the mysterious nature of truth, reflecting the mysteries found in our world.”

Best actor: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer

“Cillian Murphy is superb in everything he plays. Also, he doesn’t have social media. His performance in Oppenheimer is particularly moving. He conveys much emotion without uttering words. His depiction of the man who initiated the atomic age exhibits emotional depth and complexity, enhancing the audience’s empathy for the character.

“That being said, my favourite film of his is the post-apocalyptic thriller 28 Days Later, which remains a fan favourite due to his remarkable range and intensity. Even on the small screen, Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders is a crowning achievement. He single-handedly carries the show with his magnetic screen presence. I appreciate his focus on acting as a craft and his interest in the work rather than seeking fame and glory.”

Best actress: Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall

“Sandra Hüller killed it (no pun intended) in this film. With masterful subtlety, she delicately walks this tightrope of a character, leaving audiences questioning her motives at every moment. Hüller’s ability to convey complex layers of emotion and inner conflict is remarkable, particularly for an actor outside the Hollywood mainstream.

“Hüller's portrayal feels grounded in a raw, human authenticity. Her character’s struggles with self-doubt and the desire to do right resonate profoundly. Her nuanced interpretation invests the role with a relatable vulnerability, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in her character’s flaws and triumphs.”

Read more: 5 award-winning films by young Asian directors to watch

Horror filmmaker Kenneth Dagatan burst onto the scene with his 2015 debut feature, Sanctissima, a chilling tale of an abortionist harbouring a sinister secret. This haunting debut earned him the prestigious Audience Award at the esteemed Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Dagatan’s sophomore effort, 2018’s Ma, further solidified his reputation as a master of terror, earning the honour of being screened at the prestigious New York Asian Film Festival. This was followed by his 2023 feature film, In My Mother’s Skin, the first-ever Philippine horror film and the sole non-English language entry to grace the prestigious Midnight section of the renowned Sundance Film Festival.

Best director: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

“Christopher Nolan has been shifting the medium of film regarding artistic vision and creative freedom for decades. It is very rare for a director to have that command and demand from a big studio, being able to lead a big star-studded cast and that power is deserving. Hence, I too would pick him.

“Nolan’s meticulous control of details in the film is palpable, as you can see the director’s vision. The story is grounded, but the way Nolan edited the film, from the story and screenplay to hair design to wardrobe, you can see his artistic vision. At the same time, even though the film is set in the past, the story is still very relevant today.

“Many of the films nominated for this year’s Oscars have this common theme: they reflect the state of the world now. Whether it is Anatomy of a Fall, Oppenheimer or Zone of Interest, we will start to see or even watch films that are very relevant to today’s world.”

Best original screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall

“It’s really hard to pick which one to win. The writing is very complex, and because of how it’s written as a script and as a film, I realised that it was very hard to make that kind of film. I think the running time of Anatomy of a Fall is 2.5 hours. There is a 1 hour-long court scene where characters are just talking, and to sustain the audience’s attention for that long is incredibly difficult, yet this film does it so well.

“This is a very well-written drama with conflict and an argument between these two people. It is very good how the discourse of marriage, having a happy life and family comes into that scene.

“It just follows the story, and the director makes a very decisive decision that the film’s central focus is not the case; it’s about the tragedy of the family, its conflict, flaws and a marriage that's starting to fall apart.”

Best picture: Zone of Interest

“Oppenheimer deserved the win in this category but among all the films I’ve seen, Zone of Interest resonates strongly with today’s context, and if I had my pick, it would be my choice. What captivates me about this film is its well-placed camera angles that create an intimate and realistic viewing experience. It offers a look into the lives of an ordinary family, yet their seemingly everyday existence is juxtaposed with the horrors of war. The film effectively illustrates how complacency in our comfort zones can be perilous. Its resemblance to a slow-paced documentary intrigued me, and the atmospheric scenes and impressive sound editing truly enhanced the viewing experience.”

Now read: What is horror? Award-winning Filipino filmmaker explains the spine-tingling genre

Sam Chua Weishi is a Singaporean film producer attached to Pōtocol, an independent film company focusing on developing and co-producing films from around Asia. Sam Chua Weishi is a Singaporean film producer attached to Pōtocol, an independent film company focusing on developing and co-producing films from around Asia.  Since 2017, she has produced music videos, commercials and short films including I look into the mirror and repeat to myself by Giselle Lin (Pardi di domani, Locarno Film Festival 2023). She joined Pōtocol in 2019, where she produced her first feature-length film Pierce by Nelicia Low that recently won the New Horizon screenplay award at the 2023 Golden Horse Film Project Promotion, and is currently developing several other films including Midnight Blue Spring by Giselle Lin (Grand prize, Locarno Residency 2022).

Best international feature: Perfect Days

“I’ve seen many films in this category, but Perfect Days stands out. Its poetic depiction of ordinary, even mundane life, is very relatable. The setting, a bustling city like Tokyo, parallels the fast-paced life in Singapore.

“At its core, Perfect Days exemplifies what cinema should be. It feels genuine. It doesn’t exoticise or stereotype Asia. The director, Wim Wenders, is German but pays homage to classic Japanese filmmakers.

“Furthermore, the actor Koji Yakusho brings something unique to the table. Despite little on-screen drama and few spoken lines, you can see in his face how life has worn him out. Seeing an older Asian face on the screen, which has lived through much, truly represents Asian culture. The film’s pacing and cinematography provide a breath of fresh air, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect.

“While the movie is grounded in the protagonist’s work as a cleaner, it focuses on the quiet moments he shares with passing characters and himself, making the mundane special.”

Best actress: Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall

“I can’t imagine anyone else in this role. Her performance was intense, authentic and layered. She was phenomenal as a mother and a woman defending her innocence. Her character is challenged simply because she’s a woman.

“Her portrayal was layered, encompassing a woman’s various emotions in the face of oppression. Sandra’s performance, even in a single frame, was haunting. In the courtroom scene, you can see the complexity of her emotions: joy, guilt, fear, disappointment. All these emotions were captured in a single moment. She is unparalleled in this role.”

Best original screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall

“This film is truly a masterpiece from start to finish. Despite its length of over two and a half hours, it kept me on the edge of my seat, gripped by every moment.

“When you think you understand the direction, the film takes the audience in an entirely different trajectory. You question not only what is happening on screen but also your own beliefs. The film encourages you to incorporate your experiences into your interpretation.

“The writing makes you confront the truths presented in the picture and examine your truths. The dialogue is cleverly crafted. If I could speak French, it would have been even better, but the thoughtfulness and purpose in every word was clear.”

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Meet more honourees in the Entertainment category on the Gen.T List.

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