The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards took place on April 27, 2025, at the Cultural Center, celebrating the best in Hong Kong cinema with a star-studded ceremony. This year, the competition was fierce, with the film Time Still Turns the Pages leading the nominations with 18, followed closely by Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In with 14 nominations.
As the night unfolded, the audience was treated to emotional speeches and heartfelt tributes. Lin Qingxia, a legendary figure in the film industry, made a surprise appearance to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to esteemed director Tsui Hark and producer Shi Nansheng. Dressed elegantly in a leopard-print gown, Lin expressed her joy, stating, "Hello everyone! I am Lin Qingxia! I am very happy tonight, two friends Shi Nansheng and Tsui Hark have won the Lifetime Achievement Award, and I am honored to present it to them!"
Lin recounted her first encounter with Tsui Hark in 1980 while filming in Los Angeles. She shared, "At that time, I had not heard of Tsui Hark's name. When I arrived in Hong Kong and met them for the first time, they left a deep impression on me. Nancy had very short hair and dressed very fashionably, while Tsui Hark was very charming, with a spiritual look in his eyes." This initial meeting led to a fruitful partnership that would define her career.
Tsui Hark, who has directed numerous iconic films, thanked his mentor Wu Siyuan for introducing him to the film industry. He remarked, "Wu Siyuan opened the door to the film industry for me, allowing me to stand on this stage today. Although there have been many ups and downs, I believe that all filmmakers can overcome difficulties with passion and professionalism." He also expressed gratitude towards Shi Nansheng for her unwavering support over the years.
Reflecting on their collaborative journey, Tsui Hark said, "She has been supporting the film studio for many years, allowing me to think wildly. This award is not just mine; it belongs to her as well." Shi Nansheng humbly acknowledged the recognition, emphasizing the importance of the behind-the-scenes crew, stating, "The audience may not recognize these names, but every movie condenses their efforts. Without them, we could not complete a film."
As the awards continued, the Best Film award was presented to Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, with director 鄭保瑞 receiving the Best Director accolade for the same film. In a touching moment, actress 劉嘉玲 presented the Best Actor award to 劉青雲 for his role in The Sunny Side of the Street. 劉青雲 expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the support of his family and colleagues.
衛詩雅 took home the Best Actress award for her performance in Time Still Turns the Pages, marking a significant achievement in her career. She thanked her family and the filmmakers who had believed in her, stating, "Thank you for giving me a safe fortress to pursue my dreams."
Other notable awards included Best Supporting Actor, which went to 朱栢康 for his role in Time Still Turns the Pages, and Best Supporting Actress, awarded to 谷祖琳 for her performance in The Sunny Side of the Street. Both actors delivered emotional speeches, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support within the film community.
The ceremony also featured musical performances, with singer 陳卓賢 performing the theme song Long Time No See. The event was filled with moments of laughter and nostalgia, as actors like 吳彥祖 and 曾國祥 shared humorous anecdotes from their careers.
As the night drew to a close, the winners celebrated their achievements, while the audience reflected on the rich history and future of Hong Kong cinema. The event not only honored past accomplishments but also inspired the next generation of filmmakers.
In a final note, Lin Qingxia expressed her heartfelt sentiments towards Tsui Hark and Shi Nansheng, stating, "Knowing them has been my lifetime achievement. They have been there for me at crucial moments in my life, and I am grateful to the Hong Kong Film Awards for allowing me to present this award to them."
