Lightning strikes plunged the main auditorium into near darkness twice during the ceremony, as heavy storms whipped across the CBD.

But the disruptions were met with good cheer by presenters and guests, who mingled and made small talk as the hard-working crew toiled to get power and computer systems back online.

Russian film Leviathan, a modern take on the Book of Job, won the Best Feature Film award.

The film's themes of power and political corruption upset the Kremlin - but not enough to stop it being selected as Russia's submission for Best Foreign Language Film at next year's Oscars.

Australian actor David Gulpilil won a special mention in the best actor category for his performance in Charlie's Country, which won him a best actor award at Cannes earlier this year.

New Zealander Cliff Curtis won best actor for his bravura performance in The Dark Horse, about the late speed chess player Genesis Potini.

Curtis radically transformed his appearance to play the bipolar Potini, who taught teenagers chess in the hope it would steer them away from a life of crime.

"I was fascinated by this inspirational character who lived this life he created from his own mind, to be of service to his community and help others," he said backstage.

Curtis, who got his big break with a role in 1994's Once Were Warriors, said he felt a great responsibility to the role of Potini.

"It's intimidating when you meet someone's wife and son and best friends and close family, there's a real obligation there not to stuff it up," he said.

"But they were so warm and inviting and encouraging, they gave me a fantastic well to draw upon."

Lightning interrupted Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass as she presented the best actress award, but it was eventually given to China's Lu Zhong for Red Amnesia, with a special mention to Iran's Merila Zareie for Track 143.

The tables were then turned on Abbass, who was finally awarded her own best actress vessel for 2008's Lemon Tree, having been unable to attend the 2009 APSA ceremony.

Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan won best director for the Palme D'or-winning Winter Sleep; China's Dong Jinsong took out best cinematography for Black Coal, Thin Ice and best screenplay went to Iranian writer Nima Javidi for his film Melbourne.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk congratulated the winners on their achievements.

"The Asia-Pacific Screen Awards are a unique testament to the vibrancy, diversity and divergence of the Asia Pacific region. This year's winners are from a total of nine different countries and areas of the vast Asia Pacific region," he said.

"The awards enrich Brisbane's cultural relationship with our regional neighbours and strengthen our position in the Asia Pacific market."