Yumi Kawai, Wakana Matsumoto, and Sairi Ito Shine at the “Elan d’Or Awards 2025” Ceremony

The new actresses in their dresses were a sight to behold.

On February 6, the 2025 Élan d’Or Awards ceremony was held in Tokyo to honor outstanding films, television programs, new actors, and program producers, with actresses who had remarkable success last year taking the stage.

The most anticipated New Actress Award was won by Yumi Kawai (24), Shuri (34), and Wakana Matsumoto (40).

“For male actors, Fumiya Takahashi (23) was recognized for films such as Blue Period and The Man Who Disappeared. Koji Mizukami (25) left a strong impression in the film A Killer Paradox and NHK’s morning drama Boogie Woogie. Additionally, Ryuya Wakaba (35) was awarded for his performance in the drama Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary (Fuji TV). All three stood together on stage, but the eyes of the press were undoubtedly drawn to the dazzling actresses,” commented a sports newspaper journalist.

Kawai, who played Junko Ogawa in last year’s most talked-about drama, Inappropriate but Perfectly Fine (TBS), appeared in a mini dress that accentuated her legs. Sadao Abe (54), who played her father in the same drama, joined to congratulate her, delighting the audience with a humorous “Ogawa family” reunion.

Shuri received the award for her portrayal of Fukurui Suzuko, a character inspired by the “Queen of Boogie” Shizuko Kasagi, in NHK’s morning drama Boogie Woogie. She arrived in a striking black dress with a daring neckline. When Toshiro Yanagiba (64), who played her father in the drama, appeared as a guest with a bouquet, the two warmly embraced.

Matsumoto, who took the stage in a dress with a bold slit, won for her leading roles in Saionji-san Doesn’t Do Housework (TBS) and My Treasure (Fuji TV). Her glamorous outfit and witty comments about her age entertained the audience.

Additionally, Hikari Mitsushima (39) presented the Producer Award to Junko Arai, who produced the film Last Smile, while wearing a striking red dress. Sai Ito (30), who starred in NHK’s morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa, also appeared to present the same award to producer Hirokazu Ozaki (44).

Ito made her first public appearance since announcing her marriage to playwright Ryuta Horai (49) on January 4, exuding the presence of a great actress in a chic black-and-white monochrome dress. With such a star-studded lineup, even the reporters couldn’t help but smile throughout the event.