Singaporean actor Mark Lee has achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming the first local actor to receive a nomination at the prestigious Septimius Awards in the Netherlands.
The Septimius Awards, as described on its website, is an international ceremony that celebrates various forms of cinematic art, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations, television series, and screenplays. It is particularly dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging independent talent from around the world.
Mark Lee, aged 54, earned this esteemed nomination for his remarkable portrayal of a pimp in the local crime thriller Geylang (2022), directed by Boi Kwong.
The film, set in the red-light district of Geylang, was produced by Jack Neo and featured a talented ensemble cast, including Sheila Sim, Shane Mardjuki, veteran actor Steven Woon, and Taiwanese actress Patricia Lin.
Notably, the movie was also nominated for Best Action Choreography at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards in 2022, thanks to the skills of stunt director-actor Sunny Pang.
Expressing his gratitude and excitement about the nomination, Mark Lee shared the news on his social media account, stating in Chinese, “Thank you for the affirmation by the nomination. I will keep working hard.”
His wife, Catherine Ng, also celebrated this momentous occasion on her social media platform, expressing her pride in her husband’s achievement.
She remarked, “This nomination is a significant milestone in your journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. It is a testament to your talent and a recognition that you truly deserve. May this nomination serve as a stepping stone towards an even brighter and more prosperous future for you and your career.”
Mark Lee is unable to attend the Septimius Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on Sept. 25 and 26, due to his commitments to upcoming film shoots, behind-the-scenes preparations, and musical rehearsals. The actor expressed his regret, saying, “It’s a pity that I can’t go there. This will be a rare learning opportunity because I have been to the Golden Horse Awards, so I am hoping to attend an international awards ceremony.”
When asked about his chances of winning the award, Lee humbly told Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao that he had not watched the works of the other nominees in the Best Asian Actor category, which include India’s Tovino Thomas and Bhuvan Bam, Iran’s Mohsen Tanabandeh, and Indonesia’s Rio Dewanto. He stated, “Being nominated for this international award is already very encouraging. Regardless of whether I win, I will still do my best in my next performance.”
Mark Lee’s nomination at the Septimius Awards marks a significant achievement not only for him but also for the Singaporean film industry, highlighting the talent and potential of local actors on the global stage.
