The 25th Lux Style Awards were expected to mark a celebratory milestone for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, but instead, the ceremony has sparked widespread criticism and disappointment. Industry observers, fans, and critics alike have questioned whether the awards have lost the very essence that once made them prestigious.
On a recent episode of Something Haute, industry voices Hassan Choudary and Aamna Haider Isani offered a candid and unfiltered assessment of LSA 25, calling the event a shadow of its former self. Their discussion has since resonated strongly within creative circles, reopening an uncomfortable but necessary conversation about credibility, curation, and purpose.
Aamna Haider Isani was quick to point out that the signature glamour traditionally associated with the Lux Style Awards was noticeably absent. From décor choices to overall presentation, she described the event as lacking polish and impact. According to her, what once felt aspirational now appeared rushed and underwhelming.
She attributed much of this decline to budgetary mismanagement, suggesting that a significant portion of the funds was spent securing celebrity attendance rather than investing in show direction, production value, or artistic integrity. In her view, when star power is prioritised over substance, recognition of genuine talent becomes secondary.
The criticism extended beyond visuals. Hassan Choudary highlighted serious concerns regarding nominations, noting that several critically acclaimed films failed to receive recognition altogether. Projects that contributed meaningfully to Pakistani cinema were overlooked, raising questions about transparency and selection criteria.
Fashion categories also came under scrutiny. Aamna described them as deeply flawed, arguing that the nominations lacked coherence and fairness. The sense was that excellence was no longer the benchmark, and instead, familiarity and repetition dominated the winners’ list.
Hassan summed up the night bluntly, calling it less of an awards ceremony and more of a casual celebrity gathering. He pointed out uncomfortable seating, an unengaged audience, and the complete absence of anticipation around performances. Unlike previous years, there was no buzz, no excitement, and no sense of spectacle.
Both critics contrasted LSA 25 with earlier editions held in Malaysia, Dubai, and Lahore, where international performers, large-scale choreography, and meticulous planning elevated the awards to a global standard. This year, even dance performances, once a hallmark of the ceremony, were missing entirely.
Another troubling issue raised was inclusivity. Aamna shared that Kashf Foundation, co-producers of the socially impactful drama Zard Patton Ka Ban, were not even invited to the ceremony and learned of their win through social media. This oversight highlighted a disconnect between the platform and the creators it claims to honour.
While awarding already globally celebrated stars may generate visibility, both Hassan and Aamna argued that it does little to uplift emerging talent or reward risk-taking. The Lux Style Awards, once a symbol of artistic excellence, now risk being perceived as transactional rather than aspirational.
LSA 25 has ultimately become a moment of reckoning. It stands as a reminder that prestige cannot be bought, and that true credibility comes from thoughtful curation, fairness, and respect for the craft. Whether the awards can reclaim their lost glory now depends on how seriously these criticisms are taken.
Comments are closed.