Today : Apr 26, 2025
Arts & Culture
26 April 2025

Raymond Lam Earns First Best Actor Nomination

The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards highlights talent and fierce competition among nominees

The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards is set to take place on April 27, 2025, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, promising an exciting evening for film enthusiasts. Among the nominees is Raymond Lam, who has garnered his first nomination for Best Actor for his role as 'Chen Lokwun' in the film 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In'. This marks a significant milestone in Lam's 25-year career in the entertainment industry.

Lam's journey in film and music has been noteworthy. He began his career after graduating from university when he joined the TVB 13th Artist Training Class. His breakout role came in 2000 when he portrayed Qin Shihuang in the popular TV series 'A Step into the Past', which left a lasting impression on viewers. Over the years, he has starred in several classic TV dramas, including 'Heart of Greed' and 'Line Walker'. However, after finishing 'Line Walker', Lam shifted his focus to music, where he quickly made a name for himself.

In 2007, Lam entered the music scene as a newcomer and achieved remarkable success, holding a personal concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum within two years. His popularity soared when he received the 'Most Popular Hong Kong Male Singer in the Asia-Pacific Region' award at the 2009 Jade Solid Gold Awards Ceremony, making him the youngest and least experienced winner in the history of the awards. Despite this accolade, Lam faced online ridicule, with netizens mocking him with phrases like "the most popular male singer from Yau Ma Tei to Prince Edward Road West", which raised questions about his talent.

Over the years, Lam faced criticism, especially after winning the same award three times at the 2011 Jade Solid Gold Awards. This led to a dark period in his career. However, he took the feedback in stride, growing from the negativity and eventually transitioning to film. He joined Louis Koo's company, furthering his career in the film industry.

In 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In', Lam's character, 'Chen Lokwun', undergoes a significant transformation from being bullied to fighting for justice in his community. His performance has been praised for its emotional depth and the physicality he brought to the role. Lam undertook extensive training for the action scenes, preparing for over a month by practicing the choreography to ensure fluidity in his movements. Viewers have been impressed by his evolution as an actor, recognizing his hard work and dedication.

As the awards ceremony approaches, the competition for the Best Actor category is fierce. Alongside Lam, the nominees include veteran actors like Louis Koo, who has shifted from a leading role to a supporting one to allow Lam a chance at the Best Actor award. Koo plays a pivotal character in 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In', showcasing his commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the industry.

Lam's nomination has sparked excitement among fans and critics alike, with many eager to see if he can secure the coveted award. The film has also received significant recognition, with 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In' racking up 14 nominations, making it one of the top contenders for the night.

Meanwhile, the Best Supporting Actor category features strong contenders, including Koo and Philip Keung, who plays the villain 'Wang Jiu' in the same film. Keung's performance has been well-received, and he has quickly gained popularity among audiences for his unique portrayal of the character.

The Best Supporting Actress nominations include Louise Wong and Rachel Leung, both recognized for their exceptional performances in 'Time Still Turns the Pages'. The competition is expected to be tight, with many talented actors vying for recognition.

As anticipation builds for the awards, the Hong Kong Film Awards continues to be a significant event in the film calendar, showcasing the best of Hong Kong cinema. The ceremony will begin with a red carpet event at 4:30 PM, followed by the awards presentation at 7:30 PM, both held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and broadcast live via ViuTV.

This year’s awards are being hailed as one of the most competitive in the last decade, with films like 'Breakout' leading the nominations with a staggering 18. The film has been praised for its storytelling and performances, making it a favorite among critics and audiences alike.

As the date draws near, excitement is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting to see who will take home the prestigious awards. The Hong Kong Film Awards not only celebrates the achievements of filmmakers and actors but also highlights the vibrant film industry in Hong Kong, which continues to thrive amidst challenges.

In conclusion, the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating the talent and creativity of the region's filmmakers and performers. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the event serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hong Kong cinema.