The Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) 2026 ended with an unforgettable celebration of Asian movies that showcased excellent performances and directors and the best movies from Asia. Among all the winners, one name dominated the headlines Việt Hương. The cherished Vietnamese entertainer won her 2nd Best Leading Actress title, thus escaping her theater crown as one of Vietnam’s greatest dramatic actors.
Vietnamese comedian Việt Hương has long been one of the most popular comedians in Vietnam. But her latest success is proof that her acting skills are much more than comedic. Her emotional delivery in Grandma’s Golden Treasure won over critics and the jury of the DANAFF festival to become one of the festival’s great success stories, alongside her collaboration with the Russian State Orchestra at the opening gala where she sang “Lullaby of Belfast” and “In the Night Watching”.
Việt Hương Makes DANAFF History
On the final evening of the festival, July 4, 2026, Việt Hương was awarded the Best Leading Actress for her role as Bà Hậu (Grandmother) in the Vietnamese section of fairytales, a woman whose eternal love becomes the source for the emotional core of a tragedy-torn family.
The win is especially notable since it comes on the heels of her 2025 DANAFF Best Actress award for “Chị Dâu. Congratulatory offers from distinguished colleges and universities for her acting prize, in addition, came in back-to-back in two consecutive years to show that she is one of Vietnam’s most distinguished dramatic actresses after becoming a comedy star.
The award also coincided with a series of critical life events 50 years old, 20 years married to musician Hoài Phương.The award was also an important milestone in her life as it marked her 50th birthday, as well as the 20th anniversary of her marriage to the musician Hoài Phương. Việt Hương’s words during the acceptance speech touched her family in the highest of emotions, making it one of the highlights of the ceremony.
DANAFF 2026 Full Winners List
DANAFF 2015 marked the excellent performances of both Vietnamese and Asian films for the fourth edition. Some of the largest prize takers at the festival have been:
- Most recommended Vietnamese movie: Tử Chiến Trên Không (Hijacked)
- Vietnamese leading actress: Việt Hương, ford Cục Vàng Của Ngoại.
- Best Leading Actor: Thái Hòa
- Best Director: Given in 2026 for the splendid “cinematrography” in storytelling
- Special Jury and Technical Awards: Given to a number of the regional productions for their screenplays, cinematography, editing and artistic accomplishments.
The festival once again revealed the increasing power of Vietnamese film-making and strengthened cooperation between filmmakers of Asian countries.
From Comedy Superstar to Award-Winning Dramatic Actress
Vietnam’s most famous comedian, Viet Huong made her career as a Television Comedian, Stage Performance, and Variety Entertainer. Her witty, infectious sense of humor and magnetism ensured her iconic status for decades.
However, in the last few years she has taken on more emotional roles in movies. She has been seen performing complex characters in movies such as “Chị Dâu” and “Cục Vàng Của Ngoại” struggling and suffering from sadness, familial relationships and sacrifices.
This shift is reflected in her five consecutive Film runner up (DANAFF) wins, which have received well from audiences and critics alike.
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Why “Cục Vàng Của Ngoại” Stood Out?
The story of the film is a touching multi-generational tale that focuses on the connections between family, the bond between generations and an unconditional love that spans them. When everyone is crumbling, Bà Hậu is the emotional backbone of her family after a terrible tragedy.
Tác giả Việt Hương không chỉ qua drama, mà còn gửi gối qua nu nhau, các cửa reo như con càng, con chi, lẳng lặc hộ lách khéo léo, hiểu nu, thuần thật, vô hư vế. The realism connected well with the audience, and contributed to making the film one of the festival’s most popular films.
Why DANAFF Matters?
As one of the largest film festivals in Southeast Asia, Da Nang Asian Film Festival has quickly grown into a favorite among the region’s film makers, actors, and industrial players.
The function also helps promote exchanges and a sense of mutual enrichment between Asian filmmakers, as well as increases the international audience for Vietnamese films. The films on each edition give directors and audiences a new witness to the stories and greatness in filmmaking from a variety of genres.
FAQs
Who won Best Leading Actress at DANAFF 2026 award?
Viết Hương is the winner of the Best Leading Actress for her role in Cục Vàng Của Ngoại (Grandma’s Golden Treasure).
Which film won Best Vietnamese Film at DANAFF 2026?
Tử Chiến Trên Không (Hijacked) is presented with the Best Vietnamese Film at DANAFF 2026.
What is Vietnamese cinema’s value to DANAFF?
DANAFF is one of the best international film festivals in Vietnam, not only showcasing Vietnam’s films but also encouraging excellent film performances in Vietnam.
