Susan Lankester has brought pride to Malaysia by clinching the Best Actress In A Leading Role laurel at the prestigious Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) in Singapore on Dec 4.
The 62-year-old triumphed over New Zealand’s Robyn Malcolm by a thin margin of 0.08 points for her performance in local director Tunku Mona Riza’s Rain Town.
In the movie, she plays a mum named Aileen Choo who has to be the peacekeeper between her adult children and their father, while battling with cancer.
However, she chooses to not share her diagnosis as she doesn't want to worry her family.
In her speech, Lankester tearfully thanked the AACA for providing a platform that allows talents like her to shine on the global stage.
She also expressed gratitude to her fellow nominees, saying: “We must keep the word going and raise our voices. Especially to the women, we need to push for better odds for all of us.”
The Johor-born also extended her heartfelt appreciation to the cast and crew of Rain Town, as well as director Tunku Mona Riza for entrusting her with the complex role.
“When I auditioned, she said, ‘You know what, Susan? You’re the first one. I’ve got other ones out there.’ I was like, ‘And then?’. But she chose me and we created Aileen, an incredible role that completely tore me apart,” she added.
The actress dedicated her award to all mothers enduring silent battles yet finding the strength each day to care for their children.
“To all the women fighting cancer and those who have overcome it, this is for you too,” she added.
Lankester also paid tribute to her family for their unwavering support, also dedicating the prize to her late mother.
“She is Aileen. I created Aileen because of her, and I wish she was here.
“I read somewhere that there are four things in life that will completely overwhelm you. It’s music, art, love and loss. The first three will keep you wild and full of passion, but the fourth will make you breathe,” she said.
In an interview with StarLifestyle, Lankester revealed that she had personally forked out money to submit her entry for the AACA.
“I asked permission from the producer and paid, filled out the forms, got the video and trailer done and sent it in with my fingers tightly crossed. I needed to prove something to myself and to those who believed in me,” she said.
For the record, Lankester was previously announced as the National Winner for Best Actress In A Leading Role at the AACA 2024 in September. Her win at the time allowed her to advance to the recent Grand Finals in Singapore.
