Chinese director Jia Zhangke (L) and Chinese actress Zhao Tao arrive for the Asian Film Awards, a part of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, in Hong Kong March 20, 2007. REUTERS/Paul Yeung

South Korean smash hit monster movie "The Host" topped Hong Kong's inaugural Asian film awards Tuesday, winning four prizes out of five nominations, including the best film and best actor gongs.

The film about a mutant monster spawned by toxic waste released from a US military morgue also bagged the best visual effects and cinematographer prizes.

Song Kang-Ho beat fellow Korean idol Jung Ji-Hoon, better known as Rain, and heart-throbs Andy Lau and Chang Chen for the best actor award.

"I'm really honoured to receive this award and be around such great Asian filmmakers," Song said.

Chinese movie "Still Life", winner of a top prize at the Venice Film Festival last year, bagged the best director gong for Jia Zhangke.

Japan's Nakatani Miki beat Chinese stars Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi to be crowned best actress for her performance in "Memories of Matsuko."

"I've never expected to receive this award so I'm very surprised and honoured... I'll try my best to craft great movies from now on," she said before an audience of thousands in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong singer and actor Lau received an award as the highest grossing actor in Asian cinema.

Movie theorist David Bordwell received an honour for "Excellence in Scholarship in Asian Cinema" for a film career spanning 30 years.

The Asian Film Awards was launched this year by the Hong Kong International Film Festival, which is in its 31st year.

Among the stars treading the red carpet were Bond girl Michelle Yeoh, South Korean director Park Chan-Wook of "Old Boy," a Grand Prix winner at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

Hong Kong actress Maggie Q, star of "Mission Impossible III", Japanese idol Hirosue Ryoko, local director Johnnie To and actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai also added to the glamour.

（Agencies） 

Vocabulary:    

Still Life: 《三峽好人》

The Host: 《怪物》

（英語點津陳蓓編輯）