The 63rd Golden Horse Awards have unveiled their nominations, showcasing a broad spectrum of cinematic achievements from the Chinese-language film world. Released recently, the list spans major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting honors, with several films collecting multiple nods ahead of the ceremony.
Leading the Best Picture race are five contenders: the character-driven drama “The Girl,” the family saga “Double Happiness,” the thriller “The Man and the Woman,” the crime story “The Reckless Detective,” and the ensemble piece “We Are Not Strangers.” “The Girl” also earned a Best New Director nomination for Shu Qi, marking her debut behind the camera. “Double Happiness” generated buzz with nominations for Best Actress—going to Xiangning Yu—and multiple supporting and technical categories.
In the directing category, a mix of established and emerging talents compete. Veteran filmmaker Herman Yiu is nominated for “We Are Not Something,” while Anthony Chen, known for his nuanced storytelling, is recognized for “We Are Not Strangers.” Japanese director SABU earned a nod for “The Reckless Detective,” adding an international dimension to the list.
The acting categories reflect depth across generations. Best Actor contenders include Leon Dai for “Kung Fu,” Liu Kuan Ting for “Double Happiness,” and Ethan Ruan for “The Reckless Detective.” For Best Actress, nominees comprise Yuen Si-lam for “Fourth Act,” Xiangning Yu for “Double Happiness,” Tsui-san Leung for “Life of Lies,” Snowy Zhong for “The Man and the Woman,” and Yeo Yann Yann for “We Are Not Strangers.” Supporting roles feature talents such as Chu Hsien-chung for “Kung Fu” and Susan Leung for “Life of Lies,” while Best New Actor introduces fresh faces like Bai Xiaoying for “The Girl” and Wang Xuanjing for “Bubble Gum Girl.”
Technical categories highlight the craft behind the films. “The Girl” earned nominations for cinematography, sound, and original score, the latter by composer Lim Giong. “The Reckless Detective” appears in visual effects, art direction, and action design, reflecting its ambitious production. Documentaries like “The Soloist’s Dance” and “Leaving the Scene” also drew recognition, alongside animated features such as “Magic Star Chart.”
This year’s nominations underscore a trend toward diverse storytelling and cross-regional collaboration, with entries from Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia. The awards—founded in 1962 and regarded as a top honor in Chinese-language cinema—signal both continuity and evolution in the industry.
The winners will be announced at the ceremony later this year, continuing the Golden Horse tradition of celebrating excellence and innovation in filmmaking. The list offers audiences a rich guide to noteworthy films and performances worth tracking.
