HONG KONG – The 44th Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) announced its official list of nominees today, setting the stage for one of Asian cinema’s most prestigious annual events. The film The Golden Child secured three major nominations, including acting honors for Louis Cheung and rookie performer Ali Lee, alongside a nod for Best Action Choreography for Jack Wong. Meanwhile, the sci-fi drama Goodbye UFO garnered substantial recognition, leading the announcements with 10 nominations overall.
The nominations, unveiled on Monday (February 10), highlighted both veteran talent and emerging stars, emphasizing the dynamic range of recent Hong Kong cinematic productions.
Cheung Excited by Acting and Team Accolades
Louis Cheung, nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Golden Child, expressed intense gratitude upon hearing the news, emphasizing the collective effort behind the production.
“I was deeply moved the moment the announcement was made,” Cheung stated. “To reach this milestone and achieve such recognition is truly difficult. What touches me most is that this isn’t just my individual success; it represents the tireless dedication of the entire team. Thinking of every colleague and crew member who contributed wholeheartedly fills my heart with immense appreciation.”
Cheung also celebrated the concurrent nominations received by his colleagues, noting the inclusion of action director Wong and new actress Lee. He described the entire journey of producing The Golden Child—from planning and shooting to its theatrical release—as a compelling and motivating narrative in itself.
“I believe this whole experience verifies that a ‘motivational story’ has market appeal, both commercially and in terms of life’s lessons,” Cheung added. “People should maintain a positive outlook, hold onto hope, and sustain passion. I am profoundly thankful for all the support I have received.”
Goodbye UFO Leads Nominations with 10 Nods
The film Goodbye UFO earned the highest number of nominations, showcasing its critical impact this year. Among its contenders were Shiga Lin for Best Supporting Actress, and a nomination for Best Original Film Song for “Wah Fu Estate No. 1,” performed by Sita Wong.
Lin, who was coincidentally involved in announcing the nominations, spoke about her mixed emotions of duty and surprise. “I was so focused on reading the list that I couldn’t process the recognition for myself initially,” she confessed. “I feel incredibly honored and encouraged by this validation. Thank you to the director, producer, crew, and my fellow actors, as well as my family and company for their continuous support. To be seen by the audience through my character once again is a significant encouragement for me as an actress, and I pledge to continue delivering sincere performances.”
Sita Wong, whose song is nominated, shared her emotional connection to the awards stage, spanning nearly a decade. “From my first time standing on the HKFA stage in 2015 when I was 14, to again being nominated for Best Original Film Song in [2026], I am deeply thankful to the film Goodbye UFO,” Wong said. “I am grateful to this industry and all the partners who helped bring this music to life. See you at the Hong Kong Film Awards!”
Other major nominees announced today included Best Supporting Actor contender Alex To (64), who received his first HKFA nomination, and the highly anticipated Best Actress contest featuring prominent names like Louise Wong, Fala Chen, and Zhang Ziyi. The film The Storm Riders 2 led the overall field in raw nominations, accumulating 12 nods.
The 44th HKFA ceremony is expected to take place later this year, honoring the outstanding achievements in Hong Kong and regional cinema over the past season. This year’s slate of nominees signals a vibrant future for the industry, balancing commercial success with critical artistic depth.
