The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards celebrated its annual ceremony on April 27, 2025, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, showcasing the finest talents in the film industry. This year, Louise Wong emerged as the standout star, winning the coveted Best Actress award for her role in Dust to Dust, triumphing over formidable competition including Karena Lam, Jennifer Yu, and Stephy Tang.
Wong's victory was a testament to her hard work and dedication. She expressed her gratitude during the awards ceremony, saying, "Thank you to my family for giving me a safe haven to pursue my dreams." This heartfelt moment resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the personal sacrifices often made in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
The red carpet event, held outside the Cultural Centre with the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, was a glamorous affair, drawing attention from fans and media alike. Stars from various films strutted their stuff, showcasing their fashion sense and charisma.
In addition to Wong's achievement, the night was marked by several other notable wins. Anthony Lau took home the Best Actor award for his performance in The Sunny Side of the Street, while Karena Lam won Best Supporting Actress for her work in Still Human. The film Kowloon Walled City dominated the technical categories, winning awards for Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction, and Best Action Choreography.
Wong's win was particularly significant as it followed her recent successes, having already secured three Best Actress awards from various prestigious organizations including the Chinese Film Media Awards and the Asian Film Festival. Her rise in the industry has been meteoric, and many are eager to see where her career will take her next.
The ceremony also recognized the contributions of seasoned filmmakers. Director Tsui Hark and producer Nansun Shi received the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring their longstanding impact on Hong Kong cinema.
Meanwhile, the evening was not without its emotional moments. Wong, while accepting her award, recalled the rigorous preparation she undertook for her role in Dust to Dust, practicing the film's demanding rituals a staggering one thousand times. "When others practiced ten times, I practiced a thousand," she noted, reflecting her commitment to her craft.
Director Norris Wong, who worked with Wong on Dust to Dust, revealed that the filming team had a unique approach to pushing her limits. He stated, "The principle was not to be too nice to Louise Wong, which ultimately helped her to reach her full potential." This tough love approach seems to have paid off, as Wong's performance has been widely praised.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The awards ceremony also saw Fish Liew nominated for Best Actor for his role in Daydreaming, competing against big names like Aaron Kwok and Sean Lau. Liew's journey to this point has not been easy; he faced a significant downturn during the pandemic when he struggled to find work, nearly leading to bankruptcy. However, he persevered, even creating a YouTube channel to maintain his creative output during that challenging time.
In a heartwarming moment, Liew expressed how playing a deaf character changed his perspective on hearing-impaired individuals, stating, "I used to be a bit scared of communicating with them, but I learned that they are not much different from anyone else." His dedication to authenticity in his role involved extensive learning of sign language, a testament to his respect for the community he portrayed.
Among the other nominees was 29-year-old Karena Lam, who was also nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Horse Awards last year. Lam's role in Daydreaming as a hearing-impaired girl has garnered her acclaim, and she is set to promote the film in Taiwan on April 29 and 30, 2025.
The night also celebrated emerging talents, with Robin Lee winning the Best New Director award for his documentary Hong Kong Four Trails. Lee's film has been well-received, resonating with audiences and offering a fresh perspective on the beauty of Hong Kong's landscapes.
As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the Hong Kong Film Awards continue to be a vital platform for recognizing both established and emerging talents in the industry. With the film market facing challenges, including a decline in production and viewership, the event served as a reminder of the resilience and creativity that define Hong Kong cinema.
As the industry looks to the future, there is hope that the next generation of filmmakers and actors will continue to push boundaries and tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally. The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for future artistic endeavors.
