The 2026 Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV) concluded on July 4, with actress Viet Huong winning Best Actress for the second consecutive year, while much-anticipated Vietnamese blockbuster Red Rain (Mua Do) left the ceremony with just one award despite entering as one of the festival's strongest contenders.

The week-long festival closed after seven days of screenings, industry events and cultural exchanges celebrating Asian cinema.

Emotional acceptance speech

The nominees for Best Actress in the Vietnamese competition included Doan Minh Anh (Sacred Forest Blood Demon), Viet Huong (My Little Grandma), and Hong Dao (Taking Mom Away).

Viet Huong was announced as the winner for her performance in My Little Grandma, following her victory last year for Sister-in-Law.

During her acceptance speech, the actress became emotional as she thanked the festival organizers, the jury and audiences.

She also expressed gratitude to director Khuong Ngoc and the entire production team for giving her one of the most memorable roles of her career.

Joking about winning the prestigious award for a second consecutive year, Viet Huong said she would work even harder in hopes of returning to the competition with another film next year.

"I'd also like to thank my husband because this award is a wonderful gift for our 20th wedding anniversary, and it also marks the year I turn 50," she said. "This award captures a very important milestone in my life."

Thai Hoa wins Best Actor

The nominees for Best Actor included Thai Hoa (Hijacked), Tuan Tran (Taking Mom Away), and Quang Tuan (Fish, Fists and Ambergris).

Thai Hoa won for his performance as the film's antagonist in Hijacked.

Unable to attend the ceremony, the award was accepted on his behalf by actor Bao Dinh.

Red Rain settles for one award  

Despite being regarded as one of Vietnam's biggest films of the past year, Red Rain failed to secure victories in the festival's major competitive categories.

Its only recognition was the NETPAC Award for Best Vietnamese Film, presented by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema.

Meanwhile, Duong Minh Chien received the Best Director award for Fish, Fists and Ambergris.

The young filmmaker described himself as a newcomer compared with the other nominees.

Originally working as a stunt performer, he said his passion for cinema inspired him to pursue directing.

"For me, being able to make films is already a tremendous honor and happiness," Duong Minh Chien said. "I sincerely thank the organizers for creating such a meaningful platform for filmmakers from Vietnam and around the world."

New faces share the spotlight

This year's awards were widely distributed among different productions, with several emerging filmmakers and performers receiving major honors.

The festival, held under the theme "Bridging Asia to the World," aims to celebrate outstanding filmmaking while strengthening connections among filmmakers, artists and audiences across Asia.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Association for Film Promotion and Development and head of the DANAFF organizing committee, said the festival had evolved beyond being simply a venue for screenings and awards.

"It should become a place to discover new talent, encourage creativity, connect resources and create development opportunities for the film industry," she said. "I believe the greatest value DANAFF brings, beyond the awards themselves, lies in the meetings that take place, the relationships that are formed, the projects that begin, and the dreams of filmmakers that gain new confidence to continue their journeys."

During its seven-day run, DANAFF screened more than 100 films from 30 countries and territories across nearly 200 screenings.

The festival welcomed more than 1,000 delegates and guests, including nearly 300 international participants, while attracting tens of thousands of cinema lovers.

Major winners

Vietnamese Competition

Best Film: Hijacked
Best Director: Duong Minh Chien (Fish, Fists and Ambergris)
Jury Special Prize: Fish, Fists and Ambergris
Best Screenplay: Oscar Duong (The Fatal Deals)
Best Actor: Thai Hoa (Hijacked)
Best Actress: Viet Huong (My Little Grandma)

Asian Competition

Best Asian Film: Full Plate
Best Actress: Kirti Kulhari (Full Plate)
Best Director: Emin Alper (Salvation)
Best Actor: Caner Cindoruk (Salvation)
Best Screenplay: Zhuo Kailuo (Poor Taxi)
Asian Film Critics' Award: When the Palm Trees Fall