All three Japanese movies revolve around family relationships. "Tokyo Sonata" describes the breakdown of a family after the father loses his job; "Still Walking" follows a family reunion to honor the death of the eldest son; in "Departures," Motoki's character comes to terms with the death of his absentee father.

"Tokyo Sonata" director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who is not related to famed late Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, said his movie is reflective of family problems in Japan.

Japanese Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa celebrates with the trophy after "Tokyo Sonata" won the best film award at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong Monday, March 23, 2009. [Xinhua]

Kurosawa said he wanted to convey through the movie that "you can never abandon hope, no matter how little hope there is."

Koreeda, who received his award from "Platoon" director Oliver Stone and "The Last Emperor" star Joan Chen, told reporters backstage "Still Walking" was a personal film because he made it after his mother passed away, but said he enjoyed the shoot because he was pleased with the cast.

"I only have fond memories of the shoot. It was always happy moments," Koreeda said.

Asked about the Japanese sweep, the director joked, "This it not the Olympics. It's not like we're counting the medals."

But he added, "Japanese film is also Asian film. I'm very happy that Japanese film can cross borders. I hope Asian filmmakers can collaborate with each other."

Motoki, who received his trophy from Oscar winner William Hurt and producer Arthur Cohn, said the theme of death in "Departures" was universal.

"It's not just about the negative aspects of death. It's also about how you can accept death in a peaceful way and move on positively," he said.

Japanese actor Masahiro Motoki celebrates with his trophy after winning the best actor award for his role in "Departures" at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong March 23, 2009. [Xinhua]

Adding to the event's pan-Asian flavor, trade publication The Hollywood Reporter presented the Nielsen Box Office Award to 25-year-old Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra. The former Miss World enjoyed a sizzling 2008, which saw her in six releases, including two of the year's biggest hits — "Fashion" and "Dostana."