The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, a prestigious event in the film industry, took place on April 27, 2025, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The red carpet event began at 4:30 PM, followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 PM, which was broadcasted live by ViuTV. This year's awards were particularly competitive, with many films vying for recognition.
Among the nominees for Best Actor were Lau Ching-wan, Hui Koon-man, Lam Chiu, Yau Hok Sau, and Kwok Fu Sing. According to past performances, Lau Ching-wan and Hui Koon-man were considered frontrunners for the award. Lau Ching-wan, who won the Best Actor award for his role in "Papa," has an impressive track record with a total of twelve Best Actor awards under his belt, including three Hong Kong Film Awards, five Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards, and two Hong Kong Golden Bauhinia Awards. His recent performance in "Papa" also earned him the Asian Film Award.
Hui Koon-man, the first Best Actor winner at the Hong Kong Film Awards, was nominated for his role in "The Last Dance." He described his experience filming the movie, stating, "The film had no comedic elements, and it was a high level of difficulty. After completing this film, I understood the importance of appreciating the scenery along the way!" His portrayal has garnered significant acclaim, highlighting his versatility as an actor.
Lau Ching-wan expressed his confidence in his performance but maintained a humble perspective regarding the competition. He stated, "I don’t see my opponents as enemies, and I wouldn’t dare to compare myself to Hui Koon-man. He is a comedy master and has produced many successful films." This sentiment reflects the camaraderie often found within the film community, where mutual respect is paramount.
The awards ceremony showcased several films, with "The Last Dance" receiving a staggering eighteen nominations, making it the most nominated film this year. Following closely was "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In," which garnered fourteen nominations. "Papa" secured eleven nominations, reflecting its strong reception among audiences and critics alike.
In addition to Lau Ching-wan's win for Best Actor, Louise Wong took home the Best Actress award for her role in "The Last Dance." Wong's performance was met with emotional responses from the audience, particularly from her co-star, Chu Pak-hong, who played her brother in the film. Wong expressed her gratitude, thanking her husband and acknowledging the support of her peers.
The Best Film award went to "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In," with Soi Cheang winning Best Director for the same film. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of various individuals in the industry, including Chan Wing-hiu and Kong King-hei, who won Best Screenplay for "The Last Dance." The event also featured performances and tributes, including a song by Yoyo Sham in memory of film industry members who passed away in the previous year.
Other notable winners included Chu Pak-hong, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Last Dance," and Valérie Quennessen, who received the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in "Papa." The Best New Performer award was given to Sophie Yip for her role in "Papa," marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
The event was not only a celebration of cinematic achievements but also a reminder of the community's resilience and creativity in the face of challenges. The Hong Kong Film Awards have long been a platform for recognizing talent and fostering growth within the industry, and this year's ceremony was no exception.
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards would be remembered as one of the most competitive and emotionally charged events in recent history. With a diverse array of films and performances, the ceremony reflected the vibrant landscape of Hong Kong cinema.
This year's awards were a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the filmmaking process. The recognition received by the nominees and winners alike serves as an encouragement for future projects, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity.
The Hong Kong Film Awards not only celebrate the achievements of the past year but also set the stage for the future of Hong Kong cinema, ensuring that the art form remains a vital part of the cultural landscape.
As the night concluded, attendees left with a sense of pride and anticipation for what the future holds for Hong Kong's film industry, which continues to thrive and evolve.
