Local actress Mhia Firdaus has made history as the first Malay actress to receive a Best Supporting Actress nomination at Taiwan's 63rd Golden Horse Awards, China Press reported. Golden Horse Awards is often called the Chinese Oscars.
She earned the nod for her performance as a deaf girl in the film Sayang, which will premiere in Malaysia on Nov 5.
The award ceremony, scheduled for Nov 22 at Taipei Music Center, will see Mhia competing against Audrey Lin (Girl), Sun Jialing (Big Little Things), Judy Ongg (Sunshine Women’s Choir) and Kearen Pang (We Are Born Good).
In an Instagram post, Mhia said she never imagined that she would receive such recognition.
"This is something I never imagined for myself, and I feel truly blessed to be given this opportunity," she wrote.
She expressed her gratitude to her mother and sisters for their unwavering support, while also thanking the cast and crew of Sayang for their trust, guidance and hard work.
"This nomination would not have been possible without every single person who was part of the journey.
"And to everyone who has supported, believed in, and cheered me on along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"This nomination is already such a meaningful milestone in my acting journey," she wrote.
Mhia's co-star, Malaysian actor Nandagopall Mohan, was also nominated for Best New Performer for his big-screen debut.
He will go up against Bai Xiao Ying (Girl), Ong Xuan Jing (Ah Girl), Ho Man Xi (Sunshine Women’s Choir) and Jaden Wang (Will You Still Be My Friend).
Directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Tang Hsiang Chu, Sayang follows three teenagers from different backgrounds as they navigate life while growing up on Malaysia's East Coast.
The film has also secured three other Golden Horse Award nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound Effects and Best Visual Effects.
Meanwhile, Malaysian film star Yeo Yann Yann has been nominated for Best Leading Actress for her performance in the Singaporean film We Are All Strangers.
Local actor Jack Tan is also contending for Best Leading Actor for his role in Dead Tide, produced by Malaysian filmmakers Angelica Lee Sinje and Jin Ong.
In an Instagram post, Tan, who was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 60th Golden Horse Awards for Abang Adik, described his recent nomination as one of the most beautiful things that has happened in his acting journey.
"Being nominated at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards, and seeing so many of the people who have worked hard alongside me being recognised, makes me incredibly happy and deeply moved," he wrote.
Tan added that for his role in Dead Tide, he learned how to operate a boat and catch shrimp.
The actor also made major changes to his appearance, including shaving his head and plucking his eyebrows.
"Looking back now, all those hardships, sunburns, and countless hours of practice have become some of the most precious parts of this film," he wrote.
Dead Tide has also received nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Original Film Score and Best Original Film Song.
Malaysian director and screenwriter Edmund Yeo is also celebrating after his film The Age Of Goodbyes earned four nominations: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.
In an Instagram post, Yeo described it as an honour to be personally recognised in the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.
"I've dreamed of this moment since I was a kid ... But today, more than anything, I find myself thinking about everyone who made this film with me," he wrote.
Yeo went on to thank the cast and crew for their dedication and contribution to the film.
"I'm especially happy to see the extraordinary work of our cinematographer Chen Chi-Wen and art director Tan Yew Swee recognised alongside the film.
"The last photo was taken on March 27, 2025, with our cast and crew during the shoot, on our brilliant actress (Taiwanese actress Vivian Sun's) Polaroid camera.
"Looking at it now, I’m simply grateful that I had the chance to make this film with all of you. I enjoyed every second of our journey together," he wrote.
