HÀ NỘI – The movie Trúng Số (Jackpot), based on the true story of Lành, a lottery ticket seller in the southern province of Đồng Tháp, was granted the ‘Vietnamese Oscar’ Golden Kite award for feature movie at a glittery award ceremony last night in Hà Nội.

The movie was directed by Vietnamese-American Dustin Nguyễn, who produced the film because he was moved by the story and inspired by people’s kindness and honesty. Nguyễn also stars in the movie as a tricycle driver.

Silver Kite awards were given to Cuộc Đời Của Yến (Life of Yến) by director Đinh Tuấn Vũ, Người Trở Về (The Returner) by Đặng Thái Huyền, and Tôi Thấy Hoa Vàng Trên Cỏ Xanh (I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass).

Actress Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, who plays the role of Út Thơm in Jackpot, won Best Actress, while her colleague Nguyễn Thanh Tú bagged Best Actor for his role in Cầu Vồng Không Sắc (Rainbow Without Colour).

In the TV Series category, the Golden Kite award was given to the series Tuối Thanh Xuân (Forever Young) – a co-production of Việt Nam Television’s (VTV) Film Centre and South Korea’s CJ E&M Pictures.

The 36-episode series, which depicts the lives, dreams and choices of young Vietnamese students in Seoul and their struggles with conflicting emotions of friendship and love, has been screened in more than 10 countries.

According to director Nguyễn Khải Anh, the award is a meaningful payback to the whole crew.

“Moreover, it will give us more motivation to keep working on the second season of the series,” he said.

The Silver Kite awards were presented to the TV series Khi Đàn Chim Trở Về (When the Birds Come Back) by Nguyễn Danh Dũng and Biệt Thự Pansée (The Pansée Mansion) by Châu Thổ and Minh Trương.

In addition, When the Birds Come Back also bagged Best Director of a TV Series, while The Pansée Mansion grabbed the Best Script award.

The Golden Kite award for Best Actress in a TV Series also was given to Nhã Phương as Linh in Tuối Thanh Xuân.

Actors Việt Anh and Quang Tuấn were named Best Actor in a TV Series for their roles in When the Birds Come Back, and Khúc Hát Mặt Trời (The Song of Sun), respectively.

In the Short Movie category, the movie Cách Khác (Another Way) by Lã Tùng Lâm and Dành Tặng Ông Điều (Dedicated to Mr. Điều) shared the Golden Kite award.

Several other awards were also given to productions in different categories including animation, sound effects and music. – VNS