HONG KONG It was a straight fight between art-house and mainstream at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA). After the dust settled, 2046 and Kung Fu Hustle had little to complain about as both movies, tied at six awards each, were Sunday night’s biggest winners.  

Stephen Chow’s action comedy Kung Fu Hustle took home the coveted Best Film award while Wong Kar Wai’s 2046 swept the top acting honours. 

But as everyone was getting caught up in the 2046 and Kung Fu Hustle debate, few suspected that Derek Yee’s suspense thriller One Nite in Mongkok would pull off one of the night’s biggest upsets when it won the best screenplay and best director awards. 

There were no surprises in the best actor and best supporting actress category. Tony Leung Chiu Wai, as many expected, won the best actor title for a record fifth time in the award’s history. With over two decades of acting experience, Leung is in a class of his own. Few can match his quiet but intense screen presence, Andy Lau being among the handful. Lau was last year’s recipient of the award for his role in Running on Karma. From the way things are headed, Leung is likely to dominate the category for some time to come. 

In 2046, Chow Mo Wan, played by Leung, is trying to pick up the pieces of his broken love affair with Mrs Chan (Maggie Cheung). He meets and falls in love with a prostitute (Zhang Ziyi) who inspires him to write a story about love, time and memory. Wong took five years to complete 2046 and in Leung’s acceptance speech, he described the experience as long and arduous.  

Jackie Chan, who saw his New Police Story trounced despite receiving eight nominations, was more than happy to settle for the Professional Spirit Award. He said he appreciates the award because it honours his professionalism and conduct, not just artistic achievements.  

“This is harder to win than a HKFA,” he announced.  

In his thank you speech, Chan also gave his son Jaycee who lost the race for best newcomer some advice.  

“Don’t worry that you didn’t win this time. Work hard and there will be many more chances. But if you want my award (referring to the Professional Spirit Award), you have to wait 30 years and make sure not to arrive late and leave early.”  

   (Source: Li Kee www.star-ecentral.com)

E-mail this page Print this page Comment in our Forum