Congratulations are in order for Malaysian actress Susan Lankester, 62, who was crowned Best Actress at the prestigious 2024 Asia Creative Academy Awards (AACA) in Singapore.
The accolade celebrated her remarkable performance in the film Rain Town, where she portrayed Aileen Choo, a character inspired by her late mother.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Susan expressed her profound gratitude for the recognition and took a moment to acknowledge the significance of the award.
"Thank you so much to the Asean Academy Creative Awards for keeping this kind of award show alive for people like us. Thank you to the members of the jury for seeing me and seeing actresses over 60 years old who are still doing this," she said.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Susan revealed the challenges she faced leading up to this moment.
"I chose to gamble and invest in myself. And it was close—0.08 to win. And what a way to win and walk onto the stage with your friend, Kheng Hua, crying out your name with so much love and joy," she added.
The actress dedicated her win to mothers worldwide, recognising their strength and sacrifices.
"I would like to dedicate this award to all mothers out there who fight silent battles and wake up every day to feed us, love us, and take care of us. We see you, and we appreciate you so much," she said.
Susan also shared a poignant personal tribute to her own mother and further dedicated the award to women battling cancer, offering a message of hope and strength.
"This award also goes to my mom, Aileen Choo. I created Aileen because of her, and I wish she was here as well. And to all the women who are fighting cancer and have overcome it—this is for you too," she added.
Ending her speech on an introspective note, she quoted a passage that resonated deeply with her.
"I read somewhere there are four things in life that would completely overwhelm you—music, art, love, and loss. The first three will keep you wild and passionate, but the fourth will make you brave," she said.
Susan’s victory marks a milestone not only in her career but also in celebrating mature actresses and their contributions to the film industry.
She triumphed over stiff competition, including a standout performance by an actor from New Zealand in 'After The Party'.
Her win was met with thunderous applause and serves as a testament to her dedication and artistry, inspiring many within and beyond the creative community.