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Melco’s Studio City celebrates 10th anniversary alongside Man About Town China with gala event

  • Studio City held a gala themed “Night of Cinematic Mastery” to celebrate its 10th anniversary. 
  • The event welcomed more than 60 acclaimed actors and prominent film directors from around the world.

On 10 December, Studio City held a gala themed “Night of Cinematic Mastery” to celebrate its landmark 10th anniversary, in collaboration with internationally renowned magazine Man About Town China.

The event brought together government officials, business elites, acclaimed actors, prominent directors, distinguished figures from across various sectors and media guests from around the world – all converging for this 10th anniversary of cinematic and artistic celebration. A red-carpet ceremony opened the evening and was livestreamed globally, inviting viewers to witness the cultural celebration.

The event was attended by guests of honor including Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Ho Hong Pan, Head of Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment; Akiko Takahashi, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to Chairman & CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment; Kevin Benning, Senior Vice President of Melco Resorts & Entertainment and General Manager of Studio City; along with several other members of Melco’s senior management team.

Director Mai Zhaohui, Li Shaohong, Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment and actress Kara Wai toasted to the opening of the grand ceremony

As a film-inspired integrated resort under Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Studio City joined hands with Man About Town China to present a film-themed gala that merged international vision with profound industry influence. By leveraging their respective extensive resources and expertise, both parties actively supported the Macao SAR Government’s “Tourism+” initiative, creating a landmark celebration with global vision and industry-wide impact, honoring the continuous innovation and creative force of cinema.

Kevin Benning with Kara Wai

As evening lights illuminated the Studio City Event Center, more than 60 acclaimed actors and prominent film directors from around the world – including Kara Wai, Simon Yam, William Chan, Liu Yase, Choi Siwon, Aokbab Chutimon, Li Shaohong, Tim Yip and Wen Muye – appeared in succession during the red-carpet ceremony, radiating cinematic charm beneath the spotlight. The star-studded lineup attracted worldwide attention, further underscoring the gala’s stature and influence within film and cultural spheres.

More than 60 acclaimed actors and prominent film directors appeared in succession during the red-carpet ceremony.

The evening officially opened with the screening of a short film. Shot at Studio City, the film paid tribute to five cinematic classics – Ready Player OneRoman HolidayThe Great Gatsby, The Grand Budapest Hotel and La La Land, vividly expressing Studio City’s brand philosophy of “Fun Never Ends” and its enduring passion for the art of film.

The excitement continued to build with captivating performances and a highly anticipated awards presentation. Eleven film-themed awards were unveiled, as over 500 guests and honorees shared in the celebratory spirit. Each trophy served not only as recognition of the honorees’ dedication to cinematic excellence, but also as a witness to Studio City’s ongoing support for film industry development.

Studio City launched the “Macau 8 Minutes” Emerging Filmmaker Program

Following the awards ceremony, Studio City announced the launch of the “Macau 8 Minutes” Emerging Filmmaker Program. Through professional mentorship and resource integration, the initiative aims to discover promising young filmmakers and encourage them to explore Macau’s unique cultural character through contemporary and avant-garde perspectives. Senna Fernandes, Ho Hong Pan, Takahashi and several esteemed film industry veterans came together on stage to inaugurate the program, including director Chen Guohui; director Yang Zi; screenwriter and Vice President of the Beijing Film Festival Association Shu Huan; and actress Li Meng.

By harnessing Studio City’s world-class facilities and Macau’s distinctive essence as a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, the program establishes a nurturing platform for emerging filmmakers while strengthening Macau’s multidimensional cultural identity. It promotes deeper integration of “tourism + culture” – contributing to the city’s status as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure by advancing goals of economic diversification and sustainable tourism.

Amber Kuo and Mola Oddity

Guests further enjoyed a gourmet gala dinner crafted by Pearl Dragon, Studio City’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Otto Wong, the menu highlighted the freshest ingredients elevated through meticulous culinary craftsmanship, showcasing the essence of Cantonese cuisine with Chaozhou flavor. His creations added a memorable gastronomic flourish to the 10th anniversary celebrations.

The “Macau 8 Minutes” program establishes a nurturing platform for emerging filmmakers while strengthening Macau’s multidimensional cultural identity.

As the evening drew to a close, guests gathered at Studio City’s Event Garden for the spectacular fireworks finale, where an immersive audiovisual performance – featuring iconic film soundtracks, lighting effects, pyrotechnics and laser installations – lit up the skies. More than 20,000 fireworks illuminated the Cotai Strip in a breathtaking display, marking a triumphant conclusion to the celebration. In this shared moment, guests commemorated the first 10-year journey of Studio City and its embarkation on a radiant new chapter of cinematic splendor.

Wu Muye

In 2015, Studio City celebrated its grand opening as a large-scale, cinema-themed integrated resort, bringing surprises and vitality to Macau. Home to the world’s first “Golden Reel” figure-8 Ferris wheel, massive water parks, an indoor children’s play zone and the first Dolby Cinema in Hong Kong and Macau, along with diverse dining, shopping and accommodation options, this landmark has firmly established itself as a shining icon of Macau’s entertainment and tourism.

Tia Ray

With its unique cinematic theme and innovative design, Studio City delivers a thrilling and refreshing experience to every guest, setting a benchmark as a “one-stop” leisure and entertainment destination. Over the past decade, it has gifted visitors and residents with countless unforgettable moments – from family laughter and romantic escapes to cherished memories among friends – all woven into touching stories that continue to unfold.

Studio City has not only been a driving force behind the city’s “Tourism+” initiative but has also played a pivotal role in advancing moderate economic diversification and supporting Macau’s journey toward becoming a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

Penicillin

Looking ahead, Melco said Studio City will continue championing innovation in integrated tourism and culture, carrying forward its story of “Fun Never Ends”.

In addition, Studio City has launched a series of free interactive experiences such as “Movie Wonderland”, “Celebrity Wax Exhibition” and “Frozenland” – transforming the resort into a cinematic universe and offering immersive entertainment for all.

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