The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony took place at the Cultural Centre on April 27, 2025, celebrating the best in Hong Kong cinema over the past year. This year’s event was marked by a series of noteworthy wins and poignant tributes, encapsulating both the challenges and triumphs of the industry.
Among the standout moments was Soi Cheang’s significant achievement as he won the Best Director award for his film "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In." This marks his second consecutive win in this category, having previously won for "Limbo" last year. Cheang expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "I feel very fortunate to receive this award again. The five directors this year delivered quality films that are very personal and unique."
Cheang’s film, "Twilight of the Warriors," emerged as the big winner of the night, claiming a total of nine awards, including Best Film and Best Cinematography. The film's success was a testament to the dedication and hard work of its cast and crew, who endured an arduous eight-year journey from conception to release. Cheang remarked, "The first four years were spent constantly pushing the project, and the next four years were all about keeping it operational. We faced numerous difficulties, including financing and market challenges, but we persevered."
Sean Lau Ching-wan also had a night to remember, winning the Best Actor award for his role in "Dat-pah," marking his fourth time receiving this honor. Lau’s performance, which tells a deeply personal story, resonated with both the audience and critics alike, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the industry.
Louise Wong won the Best Actress award for her performance in "Dust to Dust," marking her first win in this category. Wong’s portrayal in the film, which has garnered significant attention, showcases her range as an actress and her ability to tackle complex characters. "Dust to Dust" also received five awards in total, including Best Supporting Actor for Peter Chan Kin-Lok and Best Screenplay for Cheuk Wan-Chi and Sing Lui-ham.
Another poignant moment of the evening was the posthumous recognition of Yu Ka-On, who won the Best Costume & Makeup Design award for "Twilight of the Warriors." Yu, who passed away in July 2022, was celebrated for his extensive contributions to Hong Kong cinema, having worked on over 120 films throughout his career. Director Soi Cheang accepted the award on behalf of Yu and his collaborator Karen Yip, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments. Cheang honored Yu by saying, "I hope everyone gives Bruce this last round of applause for his incredible work."
This year’s ceremony also acknowledged the lifetime achievements of prominent figures in the industry. Directors Tsui Hark and producer Nansun Shi received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their substantial contributions to the Hong Kong film landscape over the years.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere was filled with both celebration and reflection. Cheang, while accepting his award, urged his fellow filmmakers to persist through the current challenges facing the Hong Kong film industry. "We are at a very difficult time for Hong Kong cinema, but I hope everyone, especially the younger generation, does not give up. Persistence is key to success," he stated.
Louis Koo, one of the film's producers, echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire for future awards to not only spotlight newcomers but also allow new talent to lead Hong Kong cinema into a new era. "I hope that future film awards will feature new people leading Hong Kong films to take another step forward," Koo remarked.
Overall, the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards served as a platform to celebrate the resilience and creativity of the Hong Kong film community. The event highlighted not only the achievements of individual artists but also the collective efforts of an industry that continues to evolve despite facing significant challenges.
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of camaraderie among filmmakers was palpable, with many expressing hope for the future of Hong Kong cinema. The awards ceremony not only recognized artistic excellence but also reinforced the spirit of collaboration and support within the industry, a vital aspect as they navigate the uncertainties ahead.
