DAMANSARA DAMAI, 10 October 2026 – Deputy Minister of Communications, Teo Nie Ching, officiated the announcement of the Top 5 nominees for the 35th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM35) at Menara FINAS, Damansara, last night.
Themed “Spektrum Sinema” (Cinema Spectrum), a total of 73 works are competing in this edition, comprising 39 feature films, 17 documentaries and 17 short films. The announcement of the Top 5 across 25 contested categories comes as six local films have already surpassed RM10 million in box office collections this year.
Two horror films dominate the nominations. Malam Terlarang (produced by Astro Shaw) and Khadam (directed by Shamyl Othman) each received 12 nominations. The action film Tarung, directed by Razaisyam Rashid, secured 10 nominations.
The five films competing for Best Film are Macai (Skyzen Studios), Khadam (Red Communications & Komet Productions), Mother Bhumi (Janji Pictures Productions), Malam Terlarang (Astro Shaw & Infinitus Productions) and Abah Saya Uncle Mike (Astro Shaw).
In the Best Actor category, the race is tight among Shaheizy Sam (Badak), Idan Aedan (Abah Saya Uncle Mike), Datuk Eman Manan (3 Hajat), Beto Kusyairy (Gayong 2) and Amerul Affendi (Libang Libu). The Best Actress category features Shasha Abedul (Malam Terlarang), Aida Amron (Badak), Fish Liew (Pavane For An Infant), Nad Zainal (Denu) and Mimi Lana (Polong).
FFM35 is also honouring veteran figures through the “Tribute: Penghargaan kepada Tokoh Perfileman Veteran Negara” programme at Studio Sound Stage FINAS, Hulu Kelang. The screening of Tuan Badul on 4 November 2026 recognises A.R. Badul and Norlia Ghani, while the screening of Bayangan Maut on 5 November 2026 pays tribute to Datuk Yusof Haslam and Noor Kumalasari.
Competing works will be screened at GSC Mid Valley from 16 to 20 November 2026. The Ministry of Communications is providing a RM1 million Creative Content Fund (DKK) to the Best Film winner. Winners of 28 categories will receive RM5,000 in cash and a trophy, while recipients of the Special Artist Award and Lifetime Achievement Award will receive RM10,000 and a trophy.
Also present at the ceremony were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications, Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah; Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry), Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil; FINAS Chairman, Dato’ Hans Isaac; Top 5 nominees; industry practitioners; as well as sponsors and strategic partners.
The FFM35 grand night is scheduled for 21 November 2026 at 8.30pm at Istana Budaya. The awards night will be hosted by Datuk Afdlin Shauki and Amelia Henderson and broadcast live by RTM. The full Top 5 list is available at https://ffm.finas.my and on FINAS’s social media channels.
— Life News Agency
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