HONG KONG/MACAO, November 24, 2024 — Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) formally announced the nominees for the prestigious 2025 Anniversary Awards, known locally as the Thousands of Stars Award Ceremony, confirming the event will shift venues to Macao next January. The presentation, held today, unveiled the contenders across 12 categories, kicking off intense industry speculation and campaign efforts, particularly in the highly coveted Best Actor and Best Actress races.
The nominations highlight the year’s top performers, but early discussions have focused on the competitive dynamics among seasoned stars and rising talent. Actor Brian Chu, notably nominated for three awards, including dual nominations for Best Actor (for Rogue Interlude and Virtual Lover) and a Best Supporting Actor nod (for Run, Brave Women!), voiced a modest outlook on his chances for the top prize.
Nominee Speculation and Industry Rivalries
Despite his multiple nominations, Chu openly expressed reservations about winning Best Actor, citing the early-year broadcast schedule of his nominated dramas, which he believes may diminish audience recall against more recent releases. He endorsed fellow actors Oscar Cheung and Law Ciu-yat as stronger contenders for the top male acting award.
“I feel defeated before the fight even begins,” Chu admitted. “I prefer consistent nominations over a one-time win. I still believe I have a strong chance in the Best Supporting Actor category.”
The conversation inevitably turned to veteran actor Kenneth Ma, nominated for his performance in The Queen of News 2. Chu humorously dismissed Ma’s Best Actor prospects, noting the character’s early demise in the season premiere. “If he can win after dying in the first episode, he certainly deserves it. But he is accustomed to winning; perhaps he should yield to the younger generation,” Chu remarked, stressing that Law Ciu-yat should focus his efforts solely on the Best Actor campaign.
Best Actress Race Heats Up
The competition for Best Actress is dominated by the return of powerhouse talent, exemplified by Charmaine Sheh, whose performance is widely praised. When asked about his rumored girlfriend, Hera Chan, who also received a nomination, Chu offered pragmatic advice.
“The competition includes Ah Sheh, who delivered a truly outstanding performance. I believe she is the one to beat,” Chu stated. While he lauded Chan’s own merits, he suggested she still needs to “continue working hard.” He added that if there were a “Most Improved Female Artiste” award, Chan would receive his vote, noting her substantial number of projects and visible development this year.
Other notable nominations include Oscar Cheung canvassing support for Best Actor, while Katy Kung has unexpectedly switched categories to vie for Best Female Host. Meanwhile, Law Ciu-yat, nominated for the highly anticipated drama Glittering Forest, is reportedly rallying support by involving his spouse in his campaign efforts. Fred Cheng expressed his ambition for the Most Improved Male Artiste award, reflecting the ongoing commitment of TVB to recognize ascending talent across various programming areas.
The 2025 TVB Anniversary Awards, expected to draw significant media focus across Greater China, will take place in Macao in January, marking a high-profile international move for the annual celebration of Hong Kong entertainment. The event recognizes creative excellence, setting the stage for future drama productions and star-making opportunities within the regional media landscape.