The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony took place on the evening of April 27, 2025, at the Cultural Centre in Hong Kong, celebrating the achievements of the local film industry. Among the night’s highlights was the awarding of the Best Supporting Actress accolade to Valerie Chow for her role in the film 'Papa'. This marked a significant milestone for Chow, as it was both her first nomination and win after 27 years in the acting profession.
Valerie Chow, visibly emotional upon receiving the award, expressed her gratitude to various individuals and teams involved in her journey. "Thank you to everyone who loved 'Papa'. Thank you to director Ho Cheuk Tin, I truly admire your bravery and talent," she said during her acceptance speech. Chow also acknowledged her on-screen husband, Lau Ching Wan, thanking him for his support in their family dynamic portrayed in the film.
In her heartfelt speech, Chow did not forget to thank her parents, her two daughters, and director Clifton Ko, who she affectionately referred to as her uncle. She remarked, "Thank you to Clifton Ko, who is my uncle. Thank you to Fruit Chan for giving me my first acting opportunity, and to all the directors who have worked with me, including Jevons Au and Ann Hui." The atmosphere was filled with warmth as Ko, present in the audience, blew a kiss to his niece, celebrating her success.
Chow’s role in 'Papa' is particularly poignant, depicting a journey from a young woman dating the male lead to facing the tragic fate of being murdered by her son, who suffers from schizophrenia. Chow described her character's relationships with her on-screen family—including her husband, son, daughter, and even their pet cat—as deeply authentic, akin to real family bonds.
One of the unique challenges Chow faced while preparing for her role was learning to speak Hakka for a specific scene. This requirement showcased her linguistic talent and dedication to accurately portraying her character’s background. "I had to learn Hakka in just a few days to bring authenticity to the scene where I take my husband home to meet my parents," she explained.
After the award ceremony, Valerie Chow shared her thoughts on the emotional toll of her character. She noted that the most challenging aspect of her performance was detaching from the role, particularly after filming the intense scene where her character is confronted by her son. "I had to take a few days to recover from that. I was so immersed in the role that I had a hard time shaking off the experience, especially after the scene where my character is killed," she revealed. Chow even mentioned sustaining an eye injury during the filming, which forced her to keep her eyes covered with bandages, leading to haunting memories of the scene replaying in her mind long after filming wrapped.
Reflecting on the evening, Chow described the experience as surreal, noting how the atmosphere shifted from casual to formal as nominees awaited their fates. "It felt very amazing to see our family all dressed up and sitting together, waiting for the results," she said. After her victory, she expressed a desire to celebrate at the after-party with a drink and mentioned plans to visit Taiwan, where 'Papa' is being screened and where she has relatives.
Chow’s win at the Hong Kong Film Awards not only highlights her talent but also marks a significant moment in her career, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can lead to recognition, even after many years in the industry. As she continues to embrace her newfound success, her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors everywhere, proving that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.
