Best Actress: Ciara A. Lyons

CIARA A. LYONS

Ciara A.Lyons is a British actress and singer. Born in West Sussex to Irish parents. She developed a love for acting and singing very early on, attending many Youth Theater groups including Stage Coach, West Sussex Youth Theater and Acttoo. It was in 2010 when her passion and dedication was noticed, which resulted in her winning a 3 year acting scholarship.

(FEATURE FILM) For: The Underdog

Best Actor: Andrew Hamrick

ANDREW HAMRICK

Hamrick studied in New York City with the legendary William Esper and has enjoyed a successful career as an artist and director. In recent years, he has also expanded into the voice-over industry, lending his voice to animation, documentaries, audiobooks, video games, and commercials. His vocal style is versatile, ranging from authoritative tones to various regional accents, including Southern and New Yorkese.

(SHORT FILM) For: Oceansiders

Best Actress: Winnie Mzembe

WINNIE MZEMBE

Winnie Mzembe is an African-Australian actress and writer known for her work in film, theatre, and voice-overs. She has appeared in various TV series and films, including notable roles in projects likeIrreverent (2022) andIn Our Blood (2023)

(SHORT FILM) For: Stalk This Way

Best Director: Lee Akehurst

LEE AKEHURST

Award-winning producer, as well as writer and director, with feature credits including Dark Rage, Night Call and The Underdog. Lee has also worked as a freelance consultant

(FEATURE FILM) For: The Underdog

Best Director: Hoang Minh Nguyen

HOANG MINH NGUYEN

HOANGF is a filmmaker hailing from Hanoi, Vietnam. Growing up in a city steeped in history and contemplation, he believes that Hanoi's atmosphere played a crucial role in shaping his creativity and storytelling perspective.

(SHORTFILM) For: Running to Christmas

Best Cinematography: Peng Zhe

PENG ZHE

Zhe Peng. Cinematographer: Good Morning Beijing. Zhe Peng is known for Good Morning Beijing (2003), River of Salvation (2020) and The Fever (2019)

(FEATURE FILM) For: Don’t Forget Me

Best Cinematography: Thanh Chi Nguyen

Thanh Chi Nguyen

As of late 2025, Thanh Chi Nguyen is known as the cinematographer for the 2025 film Chay toi Giang Sinh (Running to Christmas)

(SHORT FILM) For: Running for Christmas

Best Music: Lauren Finch

LAUREN FINCH

Lauren Finch is a media composer based in the UK. Her experience spans a range of forms from narrative and documentary films, to theatre and audiovisual exhibitions - with award-winning projects screening at BIFA, BAFTA, and OSCAR qualifying festivals worldwide. Her music was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the London Soundtrack Festival Gala Concert

(FEATURE FILM) For: The Underdog

Best Music: Brett Morreau

Brett Morreau

Brett Morreau is an award-winning Canadian composer, sound designer/editor, and re-recording mixer of Métis descent, specializing in music for film, television, and video game projects.

(SHORT FILM) For: Mint in Box