The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards were held on April 27, 2025, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, celebrating the best in Hong Kong cinema. This year, the ceremony was particularly notable for its recognition of talent and contributions to the film industry, with major awards going to some of the most celebrated names in the business.
The big winner of the night was the film Kowloon Walled City, which took home an impressive nine awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Soi Cheang, and several technical accolades such as Best Cinematography and Best Editing. The film's sweeping success has solidified its status as a modern classic in Hong Kong cinema, showcasing both artistic merit and popular appeal.
Lau Ching Wan was awarded Best Actor for his role in Daddy's, marking his fourth win in this category at the Hong Kong Film Awards. He previously won for his performances in 2007, 2015, and 2023. During his acceptance speech, Lau expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, stating, "Today is a very special day. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me in my journey through cinema." He reflected on his first film, Can't Hear You Clearly, directed by David Chiang, and acknowledged the many industry veterans present at the ceremony.
Louise Wong won Best Actress for her performance in Breaking Point, a film that has resonated with audiences due to its poignant themes surrounding life and death in the funeral industry. Wong's victory was a significant moment, as it marked her first win in this category. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she quoted a line from the film, saying, “Once you get on this bus, don’t worry about when to get off, but cherish every moment.”
The Best Supporting Actor award went to David Chiang for his role in Breaking Point, while Rachel Leung won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Daddy's. Leung expressed her excitement and commitment to continue working hard in the industry. Meanwhile, Sonia Su was recognized as Best New Performer for her role in Daddy's, showcasing the influx of fresh talent in Hong Kong cinema.
In a touching moment, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the legendary director Tsui Hark and film producer Shi Nansheng, who were once married and are renowned for their collaborative work in the film industry. Despite their divorce in 2014, the pair appeared together on stage, a testament to their enduring professional relationship. Brigitte Lin, a prominent actress in Hong Kong cinema, presented the award and reminisced about her first encounter with Tsui Hark in 1980, recalling, "I had never heard of Tsui Hark before, but after meeting him, I was deeply impressed by his vision and creativity."
Tsui Hark, now 75, began his directing career in 1979 with Butterfly Change and has since been a significant figure in shaping Hong Kong cinema, directing classics and producing hits like A Better Tomorrow and A Chinese Ghost Story. Shi Nansheng's contributions as a producer during the Hong Kong New Wave in the 1980s have also been pivotal, making her a respected name alongside directors such as Ann Hui and Tsui Hark.
This year’s awards were dominated by the films Breaking Point, Kowloon Walled City, and Daddy's, which collectively garnered most of the acting awards. Breaking Point received accolades for its screenplay, original music, and even broke box office records, earning HK$149 million domestically and 211 million yuan in mainland China.
In addition to the major awards, the ceremony recognized technical achievements as well. Kowloon Walled City won awards for Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Effects, and Best Action Choreography, underscoring the film's comprehensive excellence across various filmmaking disciplines.
Robin Lee was awarded Best New Director for his work on Hong Kong Four Trails, indicating a promising future for new talent in the industry. The Professionalism Award went to seasoned voice actors Siu Siu-Leung and Han Dong-Ching, acknowledging their contributions to the dubbing industry.
Overall, the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards highlighted not only the talent and creativity present in the industry but also the rich history and collaborations that have shaped Hong Kong cinema. As the event concluded, it left attendees and viewers with a sense of excitement for the future of film in Hong Kong, where tradition meets innovation and new voices continue to rise.
