The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony was held today, April 27, 2025, at the Cultural Centre, showcasing the best in Hong Kong cinema. The event kicked off with a vibrant red carpet at 4:30 PM, where celebrities dazzled in glamorous outfits, making it a night to remember. One standout was actress Karena Lam, who stole the spotlight in a revealing dress, earning the title of the most attractive actress of the evening.
In an interview on the red carpet, Lam expressed her confidence in winning an award, stating, "I’m ready to celebrate with some champagne tonight!" Her excitement mirrored the anticipation felt throughout the venue, as many attendees were hopeful for accolades.
Among the nominees, the film Breakout featured prominently, with Sean Lau voicing his hope that both families from the film would win. He specifically mentioned his desire for Lam, director Norris Wong, and the cast to take home awards, emphasizing the film's potential to shine at the ceremony.
The night was filled with performances and awards, with 19 categories to be presented. The ceremony commenced with a lively dance performance by Hins Cheung, followed by a surprise musical number from Wang Yuan Zhi, who sang "Water Lilies." At 7:42 PM, Tony Leung and Carina Lau took the stage to present the Best New Performer award, which was won by Hedwig Tam for her role in Daddy's Secret.
Robin Lee, in his directorial debut, won the Best New Director award for Hong Kong Family, marking a significant achievement for the emerging filmmaker. The Professional Spirit Award was awarded to Yim Siu-fai and Hon Dong-ching shortly after, showcasing the diverse talent present at the event.
As the evening progressed, the Best Dressed Award, judged by Wang Dan Ni, was claimed by Jeannie Chan and Shaun Tam, who both turned heads with their elegant outfits. The late Yau Ka-on and Yip Ka-hei were honored with the award for Best Costume & Makeup Design for their work in Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.
The technical awards were dominated by Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, which won multiple categories, including Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction. Kenji Tanigaki, who also presented the Best Action Choreography award, expressed his dreams of becoming a significant part of Hong Kong cinema after winning the award for the second time.
Brigitte Lin made a surprise appearance to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned filmmakers Tsui Hark and Nansun Shi, celebrating their contributions to the industry. The Best Cinematography award went to Pun Yiu-leung for his work in Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, further solidifying the film's dominance at the awards.
As the clock struck 10 PM, Chu Yea-lun was awarded Best Original Film Score for Breakout, with his girlfriend Winka Chan from the band COLLAR in attendance to support him. The evening's excitement peaked when Louise Wong was announced as the Best Actress for her role in Breakout, a moment that brought tears to many in the audience, including her husband, who was visibly emotional during the announcement.
Throughout the event, the red carpet was a focal point, with many stars gracing it in stunning attire. Hosts Bowie Wu and Strong Ng kept the energy high, conducting interviews with various celebrities. Marf Yau, another highlight of the evening, appeared in a striking long dress, adorned with over HKD 7 million worth of jewelry, which she described as nerve-wracking to wear for the first time. Yau, who recently gained international recognition after performing with Coldplay, expressed her excitement about the opportunities that have come her way.
As the ceremony continued, the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and celebration. Edan Lui, who represented Daddy's Secret on stage, shared his honor in being part of the film, despite his brief role. He expressed hopes of collaborating again with Sean Lau, who was also present and shared a light-hearted moment with the audience.
In a humorous exchange, Lau joked about his wife, saying, "She’s currently behind the scenes, but she’s my secret weapon!" This sentiment resonated with many, highlighting the support systems behind the stars.
The event concluded with a sense of unity and pride in the Hong Kong film industry, as attendees celebrated the achievements of their peers. The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards not only recognized outstanding talent but also served as a platform for future collaborations and artistic endeavors.
Overall, the night was a testament to the vibrant culture of Hong Kong cinema, showcasing both established and emerging talents, and leaving audiences eager for what the future holds.
