HCM CITY – Comedian Trường Giang took home four prizes at the 22nd annual Mai Vàng (Golden Ochna) Awards ceremony at the HCM City Television Theatre.

The awards, based on votes by readers of the Người Lao Động (Labourer) Newspaper, aim to reward artists who contribute to the nation’s performing arts -  movie, music and theatre.

Giang won his second consecutive Golden Ochna Award for Favourite Theatrical Actor and for Favourite Comic Actor.

The 33-year-old actor also received the Favourite Actor prize for his leading role in the movie Taxi, Em Tên Gì? (Taxi Driver, What’s Your Name?) directed by Đinh Tuấn Vũ and Đức Thịnh.

As the host of television food show Thiên Đường Ẩm Thực (Cuisine Paradise), Giang got the Favourite TV Host award.

Giang, a native of central province of Quảng Nam, said: “I have had six Golden Ochna awards, including two from last year. They prove that my hard work is recognised by the audience.”

“I promise I will do my best in the future to improve myself and my acting skills.”

Giang’s girlfriend, actress Nhã Phương, got her second consecutive award as Favourite Female Actress for her leading role in Việt Nam Television Centre (VTC)’s Zippo, Mù Tạt Và Em (Zippo, Mustard and You).

The 36-episode drama was also voted Favourite Movie. Directed by Meritorious Artist Trọng Trinh and Tiến Huy, the film looks into love and relationships between young and successful people, friendship and family life.

The musical Tấm Cám, one of the best-known Vietnamese fairy tales, received Favourite Theatrical Play award.

Produced by the Buffalo Theatre Club, the play was staged at the city’s Bến Thành Theatre in February, and acclaimed by both critics and audiences.

Sao Nối Ngôi (Stars’ Descendants), a TV reality show where children of Vietnamese veteran theatre performers show off their talents, was voted Favourite TV Programme. The show was produced by Vĩnh Long Television.

The Golden Ochna Awards for Favourite Pop Singer and Songstress were won by pop stars Noo Phước Thịnh and Vũ Cát Tường.

Song-writer and singer Tường also won the Favourite Song award with the single Mơ (Dream), a soul and R&B song featuring young people’s thoughts about their past and future.

Đỗ Danh Phương, editor-in-chief of Người Lao Động, said at the ceremony: “This year, the organiser received more than 125,000 votes for all categories.”

“The number of votes shows the audience’s love for and appreciation of the artists. And Mai Vàng Awards is the audience’s honour to each artist,” Phương said.

As usual, after the award presentation, the organisers will hold a free gala concert Mai Vàng Chào Xuân (Golden Ochna Welcomes Spring) for 30,000 employees of the Pou Yuen Company in Tân Bình District on January 23.

The concert will feature award winners and several famous singers and artists. — VNS