Organisers announced the award categories and plans for the fifth edition of Asia Top Awards in Vietnam at a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City on October 9.
Among 35 awards spanning culture, the arts and entertainment, this year’s programme includes two new categories recognising male and female actors in vertical short dramas.
The move marks a change to the awards’ structure as short-form dramas filmed in a vertical format become increasingly popular on online entertainment platforms.
Short dramas are becoming a booming trend on Thailand's online entertainment platforms (Photo: Instagram).
Designed primarily for smartphone viewing, vertical dramas typically feature episodes lasting just a few minutes. They use fast-paced storytelling, dramatic plotlines and cliffhangers to keep viewers watching.
The format has attracted growing attention in Vietnam, where apps such as DramaBox and NetShort have emerged. Popular storylines revolve around romance, family conflicts, revenge, hidden identities and turbulent relationships.
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are also changing how these dramas are produced. Alongside productions featuring live actors, some companies have begun experimenting with AI to create images, settings and characters.
According to the organisers, the 35 awards are divided into three main groups: entertainment, cinema and performing arts; music, content creation and talent management; and community service, cultural heritage and fashion.
Other categories recognise screen productions, artist couples, TikTok content creators and influential figures in the entertainment industry.
The awards do not accept open submissions. A preliminary selection panel researches and compiles the list of candidates before sending it to a judging panel from Vietnam and Thailand. Judges assess nominees independently through a secret ballot.
The jury comprises six experts from the two countries. Vietnam’s representatives include Vuong Duy Bien, chairman of the Vietnam Cultural Industry Development Association and a Meritorious Artist.
The organisers said nominees would be assessed against four groups of criteria: achievements and quality, influence, contributions to Vietnam-Thailand relations, and public image and social responsibility.
At the press conference, Lam Chi Thien, head of the Vietnamese organising committee, said bringing the awards to Vietnam was both an honour and a challenge, as previous editions had been staged on a large scale in Thailand.
Organisers hope the event will create more opportunities for artists, content producers and businesses across the region to connect, helping promote cultural and entertainment cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.
Launched in Thailand in 2018, the Asia Top Awards has previously honoured artists including Park Hyung Sik, Woo Do Hwan, BamBam and Vietnamese singer Quang Hung MasterD.
After four editions in Thailand, the awards will be held in Vietnam for the first time.
The ceremony is scheduled for December 20 in Ho Chi Minh City, as part of cultural exchanges and business cooperation activities between Vietnam and Thailand marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
