Mhia Firdaus pelakon Melayu pertama tercalon Anugerah Golden Horse

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

Kuala Lumpur — Malaysian actress Mhia Firdaus has made history by becoming the first Malay performer to receive a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards, a prestigious ceremony in the Asian film industry.

The nomination marks a significant milestone for the local film industry, highlighting the growing international reach of Malaysian talent and cross-border production collaborations.

The development shows the increasing prominence of Malaysian cinema on the regional stage, particularly through co-productions that blend local narratives with international technical expertise. By securing a spot in one of Asia’s most respected film awards, Mhia Firdaus joins a select group of regional actors recognized for their craft, signaling a shift in how Malaysian performances are perceived by international juries.

The film’s success in garnering multiple nominations suggests that the industry’s investment in high-quality, collaborative projects is yielding tangible results in terms of critical acclaim and global visibility.

Mhia Firdaus, who is the daughter of veteran actress Farah Ahmad and the granddaughter of legendary performer Datuk Fauziah Nawi, expressed her surprise and gratitude in a statement posted on Instagram. She described the nomination as an honor that exceeded her expectations, stating, "I am still trying to process all of this (nomination).

I am very honored and grateful to be nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards." She added that the opportunity was something she had never imagined for herself, emphasizing her deep sense of gratitude for being given the chance to compete at such a high level.

In her remarks, Mhia attributed her success primarily to the unwavering support of her immediate family. She dedicated the achievement to her mother, sister, and younger sibling, thanking them for always being present, believing in her, and supporting her every step of the way. "Having all of you by my side makes this moment more meaningful," she wrote.

She also extended her appreciation to the director, co-actors, and the entire production crew, acknowledging their trust, guidance, and hard work in bringing the story to life. She noted that the nomination would not have been possible without every individual who was part of the journey, expressing heartfelt thanks to all who supported and encouraged her.

The film Sayang Sayang is a co-production between Malaysia and Taiwan, directed by Tang Hsiang-Chu. The project features Executive Producers Yeh Jufeng and Jin Ong. Mhia Firdaus portrays a young girl who is deaf, a role that required significant preparation and emotional depth. The film brings together more than 100 actors and film professionals from Malaysia, Taiwan, and India.

Notable cast members include Taiwanese actor Lee Lee-Zen, rising star Sasha Tang, and Malaysian actors Jo Kukathas, Nandagopall Mohan, Ong Ai Leng, and Amir Ahnaf. This diverse ensemble reflects the collaborative nature of the production, which aims to tell a universal story through a specific cultural lens.

Beyond Mhia Firdaus’s nomination, Sayang Sayang has received four other nominations at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards. These include Best Original Screenplay for Tang Hsiang-Chu, Best New Actor for Nandagopall Mohan, Best Sound Design for Wu Shu-Yao, Hsu Chiao-Han, and Liu Pei-Min, and Best Visual Effects for Tomi Kuo, Ivan Lin, and Hannah Han.

The multiple nominations indicate that the film has been well-received across various technical and artistic categories, suggesting a strong overall performance in the competition. The recognition for Nandagopall Mohan, a Malaysian actor, further highlights the film’s contribution to showcasing local talent on an international platform.

Mhia Firdaus will compete against four other nominees for the Best Supporting Actress award. The other candidates are Audrey Lin for the film Girl, Sun Jialing for Big Little Things, Judy Ongg for Sunshine Women's Choir, and Kearen Pang for We Are Born Good. The competition is fierce, with each nominee representing distinct cinematic styles and narratives.

Mhia’s inclusion in this group places her alongside established and emerging talents from across the region, underscoring the competitive nature of the award. Her performance in Sayang Sayang has clearly resonated with the jury, setting her apart in a crowded field of nominees.

The 63rd Golden Horse Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 22 at the Taipei Music Center in Taiwan. This event serves as the culmination of the film’s journey, where the final winners will be announced. For Mhia Firdaus and the production team, the upcoming ceremony represents a significant moment of recognition for their work.

The film’s release in Malaysian cinemas on November 5 will precede the awards ceremony, allowing local audiences to witness the performance that earned international acclaim. The dual timeline of release and recognition highlights the film’s dual role as both a commercial product and a cultural artifact, bridging the gap between local viewership and global prestige.