9 February 2025
2024 Myanmar Motion Picture Academy Awards Presentation Ceremony was held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I (MICC I), Nay Pyi Taw this evening, attended by Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who delivered the opening address and presented Lifetime Awards for Motion Pictures Achievement.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, the SAC Joint Secretary, SAC members and wives, union level dignitaries, union ministers and wives, region state chief ministers, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, deputy ministers, patrons, the chair and members of Myanmar Motion Picture Association, members of Myanmar Motion Picture Academy Awards Scrutiny Board, officials of MMPA, Myanmar Thabin Association, Myanmar Music Association (Central), Myanmar Press Council, Myanmar Comedians Association, associations of literature and media, and international organizations, intellectuals and technicians of movie, literature, drama and theatre, music worlds, artists, officials and specially invited guests.
The Senior General and his wife viewed round the documentary photos bearing motion pictures outstanding award winners, films and outstanding artistes and technicians from 1952 to 2023 displayed along the entrance to the Jade Hall.
The Senior General opened the ceremony for 2024 by keeping an Academy Statue on the digital machine board.
Artistes from the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture performed star dances in the song “Development and victory of Myanmar motion pictures”.
Moreover, a documentary video clip on Myanmar motion pictures presented by the MRTV and Information and Public Relations Department was presented.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that the Myanmar Film Outstanding Award, which began in 1952, has now been held for the 66th time. The ceremony is a significant event that shares the gathering, peace,and happiness of the nation, the people, and artists, marking the 66th celebration.
Looking back at the early years of Myanmar cinema, it can be seen that the industry has successfully and steadily progressed with honour, through self-reliance, breaking its own path, and standing tall on its own feet. The history of Myanmar motion pictures, which emerged since the 1920s during the struggle for independence, has now reached a remarkable 105 years.
Film artistes played a role in inspiring patriotism and unity among ethnic communities during the struggle for independence.
Through their artistic talents, they encouraged national spirit, cultural preservation, and solidarity. Even after independence, they continued to contribute to internal peace, national unity, and national development through their artistic endeavors.
They are indeed valuable historical traditions and records that have benefited the nation.
In the present situation, it is urged to continue preserving such beneficial traditions and to act in the best interests of the country and its people.
The cultural sector is recognized as an essential area among the reasons for a nation’s development and progress.
In Myanmar, over 100 ethnic groups live together, preserving a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
It is acknowledged that the culture of a nation or an ethnic group can be classified into two categories: intangible cultural heritage and tangible cultural heritage.
To clarify, intangible cultural heritage refers to the language spoken by an ethnic group, their beliefs, customs, traditions, attire, rituals, and handcrafts, while tangible cultural heritage includes all physical objects created, used, or handled by a group.
At the 19th World Intangible Cultural Heritage Conference, it was announced that Myanmar’s traditional customs and the festival of the Atar Thingyan were recognized as part of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Furthermore, efforts are ongoing to submit Myanmar’s Thanakha culture to UNESCO for inclusion as an intangible cultural heritage.
It is crucial that the valuable national cultural heritages of Myanmar, which are already established, be preserved as part of the global cultural heritage for all humanity.
All Myanmar people must continue to strive towards ensuring that these heritages are recorded in history with securing success.
The Senior General continued that the reasons behind the transformation of an art form reflect the cultural values of a nation, showing that the art of filmmaking is of great importance.
Motion pictures, which integrate art, skill, and technology, is a form of media with immense influence, capable of subtly and effectively reaching the hearts and minds of the public, making it a powerful tool of soft power.
The contributions of all film producers, professionals, and actors who rely on the art of filmmaking for their livelihoods are of significant importance.
The production of a quality film is not the result of a single individual’s efforts.
The supporting cast, lead actors, various performers, costumes, storyline, script, sound, cinematography, music, lighting, special effects, and makeup all come together through a collaborative effort, guided by the director’s leadership.
This collective process highlights the strength and unity behind the creation of a film. No matter how talented an individual may be, the creation of a quality film is impossible without collective effort.
A truly outstanding film is one that engages, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression on its audience. For example, classic films from our time, such as
“Bel Thu Pyaing Lo Hla Par Tot Naing”, “Hmong Shwe Yi”, and “Thingyan Moe”, remain unforgettable no matter how many times they are watched.
These films serve as exemplary works, worthy of admiration and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences.
There are many other remarkable films, and I hope filmmakers continue to produce works that resonate with the public and bring value to society.
The artistic talents are hoped to be utilized to help the international community gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people, fostering friendship and conveying important messages through art. Additionally, the aim is to use this craft to shape the public’s ideas and perspectives, guiding them towards correct concepts in nation-building, and inspiring widespread participation in the nation’s progress.
As is widely known, the SAC, in line with the motto “Moving Forward to the Goal,” is working towards for the nation’s interests and socio-economic development based on democracy and federalism, with a focus on the national interest and all ethnic groups.
It is crucial for all citizens to understand and accept that Our Three Main National Causes – non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty – are the most vital and
appropriate national goals and responsibilities, irrespective of the current global situation or the actual circumstances within our country.
Today, the government is implementing political, economic, and social policies based on Our Three Main National Causes.
Therefore, it is essential for all Myanmar citizens to foster a strong sense of Myanmar identity and work collectively towards achieving peace and development for the country, embodying the spirit of “We are Myanmar” along with unity and nationalism.
It is important to be careful of the fact that social media and unethical media are working to destroy religion, national culture, and unity, while also distorting the ideas and morals of young people.
These are schemes that threaten the country’s interests, and they must be reduced and eliminated in order to protect the nation from their harm. Just as films are for the people, I urge film artists to create works of art that will benefit both the country and its people.
At present, the government has been taking measures to boost agriculture and livestock production for food security.
As economic development is important for the country, the government has been encouraging MSMEs based on agriculture and livestock breeding.
It is necessary to exert efforts to reap gold fruits from land for the prosperity of the country and to boost domestic production.
Only when we work hard, will we be able to reap gold fruits from land. Currently, plans are underway to organize the union level MSME product exhibition and competition commemorating the 78th Anniversary of the Union Day at Tabaung ground in Nay Pyi Taw from 10 to 14 February.
In doing so, as the cooperation of artists contributes to stability, development and accomplishment of objectives of the country, people in respective fields of arts are urged to cooperate with the government.
Emergence of outstanding young artists is welcomed. Youths are for the future of the country.
I will have to reiterate what I say every year.
The government has been offering assistance as much as possible for development of literature, films, music and performing arts and will continue to do so.
It is believed that artists who win outstanding awards this year will have inspiration for further success in the film industry and will exert more efforts.
Similarly, artists who do not win outstanding awards this year are urged to exert efforts to win awards in the coming years by enhancing their artistic performance.
I would like to especially urge artists to resist the influence of foreign culture
to preserve Myanmar culture and tradition, not to allow the influence of modern culture over traditional culture and to serve the interest of the country out of national spirit based on artistic talent by adopting changing modern trends.
Then, Chairman of Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization Winner of Academy Awards U Kyi Soe Tun spoke words of congratulations.
Afterwards, the master of ceremony introduced the youths who help present academy awards and artists danced to the song of Myu Maung Wai Kin in honour of world intangible cultural heritage Myanmar Traditional Thingyan Water Festival.
Then, Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn announced the winners of lifetime achievement academy awards for 2024.
Afterward, the Senior General and wife presented lifetime achievement academy awards honoured by MMPO and the film industry including artists and technicians to Veteran Actor U Kyi Soe, Academy Winning Director Maung Hnin Moe, Winner of Academy Awards Actress Wah Wah Win Shwe and Winner of Academy Awards Actress Khin Than Nu and posed for documentary photographs with them.
Then, the winners of lifetime achievement academy awards spoke words of thanks.
After that, the awards for the 2024 Film Arts and Film Outstanding Awards were announced.
The Best Cinematography Award was won by Kaung Zan for the film “If my lover were a flower”, the Best Film Music Award was won by Academy Di Ra Mo for the film “Einmat Karyan”, the Best Film Sound Award was won by Aung Myo Myat and Ye Win for the film “Fire”, the Best Film Editing Award was won by Arkar Kyaw for the film “Nhaung”, the Best Film Screenplay Award was won by Aye Thri Ko for the film “Cloud Painting”, the Best Film Award was won by Taurus V Production for the film “If my lover were a flower” and the Myanmar Academy Special Award was won by makeup artist Lon Lon (Linkadipa) for the film “Nhaung”.
The outstanding award winners were presented with the Academy Golden Statuettes by renowned Academy-winning artists.
The award recipients of expressed their gratitude in their speeches.
Following this, at the 2024 Myanmar Film Outstanding Award Ceremony, the Myanmar Academy Fashion Awards were presented to the artists attending the event.
The Best Male Grand Fashion Award was won by multiple Academy award winner Yan Aung, the Best Female Grand Fashion Award was won by Academy Soe Moe Kyi, the Best Male Fashion Award was won by Htet Aung Shine, and the Best Female Fashion Award was won by Nan Su Yati Soe.
The awards were presented by multiple Academy Award winner Swe Zin Htaik.
Continuing with the announcement of the 2024 Film Arts and Film Outstanding Awards, the Best Film Director Award was won by “Academy Win Lwin Htet for the film “Einmat Karyan”, the Best Supporting Actress Award was won by Chu Lay for the film “Bodaw Kinn”, the Best Supporting Actor Award was won by Aye Chan Maung for the film “Fire”, the Best Actress Award was won by Academy Wuut Mhon Shwe Yi for the film “Cloud Painting” and the Best Actor Award was won by Nay Toe for the film “Nhaung”.
The outstanding award winners were again presented with the Academy Golden Statuettes by Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn and renowned Academy-winning artists. The recipients expressed their gratitude in their speeches.
During the award ceremony, artists performed songs and dances in rotation.
After that, the Senior General and wife took a commemorative photo with the 2024 Myanmar Film Outstanding Award winners and warmly greeted the attending experts, professionals, and artists from the film, literature, theater, and music industries.
Myanmar film, which began in 1920, has now reached its 105th year. Considering the advancement of Myanmar film, the Film Standard Promotion
Committee, which started in 1952, has been selecting and awarding outstanding artists and professionals in the Myanmar film industry.
The 2024 Myanmar Film Outstanding Awards Ceremony, held today, marks the 66th time the awards have been presented in the past 73 years.
