The movie Trung So (Jackpot), based on the true story of Lanh, a lottery ticket seller in the southern province of Dong Thap, was granted the ‘Vietnamese Oscar’ Golden Kite award for feature movie at a glittery award ceremony last night in Hanoi.

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

Silver Kite awards were given to Cuoc Doi Cua Yen (Life of Yen) by director Dinh Tuan Vu, Nguoi Tro Ve (The Returner) by Dang Thai Huyen, and Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh (I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass).

Actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, who plays the role of Ut Thom in Jackpot, won Best Actress, while her colleague Nguyen Thanh Tu bagged Best Actor for his role in Cau Vong Khong Sac (Rainbow Without Colour).

In the TV Series category, the Golden Kite award was given to the series Tuoi Thanh Xuan (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 Nguyen Khai 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 Dan Chim Tro Ve (When the Birds Come Back) by Nguyen Danh Dung and Biet Thu Pansée (The Pansée Mansion) by Chau Tho and Minh Truong.

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 Nha Phuong as Linh in Tuoi Thanh Xuan.

Actors Viet Anh and Quang Tuan were named Best Actor in a TV Series for their roles in When the Birds Come Back, and Khuc Hat Mat Troi (The Song of Sun), respectively.

In the Short Movie category, the movie Cach Khac (Another Way) by La Tung Lam and Danh Tang Ong Dieu (Dedicated to Mr. Dieu) shared the Golden Kite award.

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

VNS