VietNamNet Bridge – Comedian Truong Giang took home four prizes at the 22nd annual Mai Vang (Golden Ochna) Awards ceremony at the HCM City Television Theatre.

Crowd pullers: Actress Nha Phuong and actor Truong Giang received the Mai Vang (Golden Ochna) Awards for Favourite Actress and Actor at the 22nd annual Golden Ochna Awards ceremony in HCM City on January 20. — nld.com.vn

The awards, based on votes by readers of the Nguoi Lao Dong (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 Ten Gi? (Taxi Driver, What’s Your Name?) directed by Dinh Tuan Vu and Duc Thinh.

As the host of television food show Thien Duong Am Thuc (Cuisine Paradise), Giang got the Favourite TV Host award.

Giang, a native of central province of Quang 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 Nha Phuong, got her second consecutive award as Favourite Female Actress for her leading role in Viet Nam Television Centre (VTC)’s Zippo, Mu Tat Va Em (Zippo, Mustard and You).

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

The musical Tam Cam, 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 Ben Thanh Theatre in February, and acclaimed by both critics and audiences.

Sao Noi Ngoi (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 Vinh Long Television.

The Golden Ochna Awards for Favourite Pop Singer and Songstress were won by pop stars Noo Phuoc Thinh and Vu Cat Tuong.

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

Do Danh Phương, editor-in-chief of Nguoi Lao Dong, 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 Vang Awards is the audience’s honour to each artist,” Phuong said.

As usual, after the award presentation, the organisers will hold a free gala concert Mai Vang Chao Xuan (Golden Ochna Welcomes Spring) for 30,000 employees of the Pou Yuen Company in Tan Binh District on January 23.

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

VNS