2023 in photos: Asian success at the Venice film festival

Ryo Nishikawa gives a big smile to the photographers during the photocall for the Japanese movie 'Aku Wa Sonzai Shinai' ('Evil Does Not Exist'). The young actress stars in the latest film by Ryusuke Hamaguchi - the director who won the 2022 Best International Film Oscar for 'Drive My Car.' They and others prove that Asian film is booming across the world!

This year, the prestigious Venice Film Festival honored Hong Kong actor Tony Leung with the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award. Leung, known from 'Hard Boiled' and 'In the Mood for Love,' is at the forefront of a large group of talented Asian filmmakers who are rocking the European city this year.

Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi was one of the celebrities who made a big splash at the Venice Film Festival's red carpets. The Indian-born and South African-raised socialite spent some of her millions on this exquisite pink, layered gown.

A striking sight at the Venice Festival was courtesy of racer Yuki Tsunoda and the show car of the Scuderia AlphaTauri AT03. Both could be admired in the famous Italian canals.

The Japanese Formula 1 star was celebrating the premiere of the documentary 'Whatever it Takes' about his team at the Venice Film Festival.

Asia came to Venice with all its facets: art, fashion, sports, and politics. The Iranian actress Behi Djanati Atai attended a red carpet event wearing a scarf saying 'Woman, Life, Freedom,' in support of of the plight of Iranian women whose rights have been limited in recent years.

The Taiwanese actress has made a name for herself in the global film industry and was invited to join the jury for the Venice Festival's Golden Lion Awards in 2023.

Model and actress Scha Al-Yahya represents Malaysian art and culture on the Venice red carpet by wearing a spectacular Alia Bastamam design with striking red and gold-colored earrings. "Thank you for creating a piece that made me feel like a true queen!" she said on Instagram.

Wonderfully paired in gray tuxedos with 70s-style waistbands and bowties, the Thai actors steal the show at the Venice red carpet.

Chinese actress Li Meng stars in the film 'Short Story' directed by Wu Lang. It is one of the brief motion films selected for the Venice Film Festival.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai and his wife Carina Lau Kar-ling looked absolutely fabulous on the evening they went to the Golden Lion gala for Tony's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Emotions ran high, and Tony Leung cried as he received his award. He thanked his wife and reflected on the beginnings of his successful career in Hong Kong.

"I'm so grateful to have been raised in Hong Kong as well as being nurtured later by the Hong Kong movie industry in general where my acting career began. I also want to share this honor and give thanks to all those wonderful people who I have worked with over the past 41 years because this is a tribute to them as well, and, of course, to Hong Kong cinema," he said.

Filipina star Rhian Ramos shone on the red carpet for the movie 'Ferrari,' wearing a custom champagne-colored Mark Bumgarner gown.

Angeliqa Devi is a Canadian-British actress with South Asian roots. She appeared in two episodes of the famous HBO series 'Succession' and in the Italian film 'L'Ordine Del Tempo' ('The Order Of Time') which premiered in Venice.

Fashion entrepreneur and influencer Yan Yan Chan takes her 224,000 Instagram followers along to the Venice Festival. "Feeling very giddy and lucky to be here and for my first ever film festival," the Hong Kong star posts.

Harper's Bazaar Arabia commented on Shu Qi's excellent choice on the Venice red carpet. "Shu Qi graced the occasion adorned in an exquisite Alberta Ferretti ensemble, perfectly accentuated by Bvlgari jewellery," the magazine concluded.

The Taiwanese celebrity doesn't just have the looks and sense of style, though; she is also one of the most talented and best-paid actresses in the country. She has won many awards, notably three Hong Kong Film and two Golden Horse Awards, for her performances in commercial and artistic movies. Examples are 'Journey to the West' (2023), 'The Assassin' (2015), and 'The Lost Legend (2015).

Singapore-based influencer Yoyo Cao, also known for her Instagram handle Yoyo Kulala, cherishes her time at the Venice Film Festival. She's wearing a Nicole + Felicia dress and Armani makeup.

Yoyo Kulala has 477,000 followers on Instagram. They love to see how she's wowing the red carpets. Yoyo Cao is both a fashion designer and digital entrepreneur, representing Singapore to the world.

Carina Lau went to the Armani 'One Night Only in Venice' fashion show to get some inspiration, but really, does she need it? Once again she appears in bright red, a color and a cut that makes all heads turn.

During a photocall preceding the Golden Lion ceremony, Hong Kong star Tony Leung wore a more casual look, with loose-fitting trousers with drawstrings and a matching blue blazer.

A wonderful detail in his look were the mismatched colored sneakers he wore!