“Love” triumphs at Hong Kong film awards

HONG KONG (Hollywood Reporter) – “Perhaps Love,” China’s
first musical in more than three decades, led the winners’ list
with six honors at the 25th Hong Kong Film Awards, though the
best film and director nods went to Johnnie To’s “Election.”

Voters snubbed Tsui Hark’s martial arts extravaganza “Seven
Swords.” Despite going into Saturday’s ceremony with 11
nominations — the same as “Perhaps Love” — the film failed to
win a single nod.

“Perhaps Love” took the awards for best actress (Zhou Xun),
cinematography, costume and make-up, art direction, original
film score and original song.

Director Peter Chan, however, lost to To for the latter’s
gritty triad expose “Election,” which also won for best actor
(Tony Leung Ka-fai) and screenplay as well as best film.

The big-screen adaptation of Japanese comic book “Initial
D” also scooped four awards. Last year’s best supporting actor,
Anthony Wong, triumphed in the same category this year with his
performance as a drunken father in the film, while Taiwanese
pop star Jay Chou took the best new performer award for his
role as the young tofu delivery boy and drift racing champion
who floors his rivals on the slopes of Mount Akina. The film
also won for sound editing and visual effects.

Veteran actress Teresa Mo won her first acting award after
more than 30 years in the business for her supporting role in
“2 Young.” The vote for best new director went to Kenneth Bi
for his feature film debut “Rice Rhapsody,” while mainland
Chinese feature “Kekexili” won the best Asian film award.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter