Stars dazzle at myanmar’s 2006 film awards
Submitted by: anonymous , Created at : 2008-02-12 07:30:00 UTC [Write Comment]By Ye Kaung Myint Maung
THE stars of Myanmar’s film industry descended on the capital Nay Pyi Taw last Thursday for the annual Myanma Motion Picture Outstanding Awards.
The second time the ceremony has been held in the capital, the list of attendees read like a who’s who of Myanmar celebrity. While the favou-rites dominated this year, the event still had a couple surprises in store for fans.
The night got off to a big start with awards presented for Best Soundtrack to U Myo Nyunt and his work on the film Taung Tha Man Thitsar (Loyalty of Taungthaman Inn), Best Cinematography awarded to Than Nyunt for Pan Pyoe Thu Doh Alinkar (The Verse of Gardeners) and Best Editing to Zaw Min for Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar (Much Hope).
Broadcast on national television, the excited guests could be seen enjoying the visually stimulating ceremony, cheering louder as the night progressed. The award for Best Theme Song went to composer Thaw Zin of Mandalay for the film Pan Pyoe Thu Doh Alinkar (The Verse of Gardeners).
The Best Editing Award went to Zaw Min, the creative controller of Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar (Much Hope).
With the first part of the awards ceremony completed, it was time for the favourites to shine.
As everybody had expected, May Thinzar Oo took out the Best Supporting Actress award for her portrayal of a middle-aged lady in Pan Pyoe Thu Doh Alinkar. This was the second time she has won this award.
Almost exclusively known as a villain in Myanmar cinema, actor Po Kyaw surprised many by taking out the award for Best Supporting Actor. He was given a rousing ovation when he appeared on stage. The Myanmar Times was told that although he is an experienced actor capable of playing any role, he has often opted to play the role of the villain for reasons of convenience.
After the announcement of Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar (Much Hope) as the Best Film, speculation mounted that the Best Director Award would go to Maung Myo Min.
This became true when shortly after the best film had been announced, up-and-coming youngster Maung Myo Min was called to the stage. Bucking with the tradition that has seen older directors usually receive the award, this presentation will be inspiring for the next generation of movie-making enthusiasts.
Starting with films Tainpyomoe and Hninsi Wine in 1996, he has directed numerous movies around unique plots, bringing a breath of fresh air to the screens of Myanmar.
His winning film Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar depicts the feelings of modern youth and shot through a medical point of view.
Popular film actress Nanda Hlaing wound up the recipient of the much-coveted Best Actress Award. In the film Taung Tha Man Thitsar (Loyalty of Taungthaman Inn) she played two different roles expertly — that of a young girl selling fried snacks on the street and that of an arrogant lady of the house.
The actress told The Myanmar Times that in the course of making the movie, she did not have the awards in mind but rather had giving priority to playing strong characters for the audience to enjoy.
The final award of the night, that of Best Actor award went to five-time award Yan Aung. He joins famous director U Thu Kha as the most awarded industry icons in Myanmar, having now on six awards each.
“Each time I receive an academy award I feel exhilarated but also feel more responsible to the audience,” Yan Aung told The Myanmar Times after the announcement of his victory.
The award winners for the 2006 film industry were popular choices and represented a new era of Myanmar film.
As the glamour and glitz passes for yet another year, fans will hold on excitedly for the next wave of films coming to the cinema in 2008.
The complete 2006 winners list
Best Film Award - Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar (Much Hope)
Best Actor Award - Yan Aung, Gone Shein Pyin De’ Chit Chin Myittar (Powerful Love)
Best Actress Award - Nandar Hlaing, Taungthaman Thitsar (Loyalty of Taungthaman Inn)
Best Director Award - Mg Myo Min, Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar (Much Hope)
Best Supporting Actor - Po Kyaw, Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar (Much Hope)
Best Supporting Actress - May Thinzar Oo, Pan Pyoe Thu Doh Alinkar (The Verse of Gardeners)
Best Music Award -Thaw Zin, Pan Pyoe Thu Doh Alinkar (The Verse of Gardeners)
Best Script Award - Zaw Myint Oo, Taungthaman Thitsar (Loyalty of Taungthaman Inn)
Best Cinematography Award - Than Nyunt, Pan Pyoe Thu Doh Alinkar (The Verse of Gardeners)
Best Sound System Award - U Myo Nyunt, Taungthaman Thitsar (Loyalty of Taungthaman Inn)
Best Editing Award - Zaw Min, Myaw Lint Chin Myar Swar (Much Hope)
Myanmar Times, February 11, 2008.