Hong Kong’s dominant broadcaster, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), ignited anticipation across the entertainment industry today, December 15, by revealing the highly anticipated top ten shortlists for the primary categories of the 2025 TVB Anniversary Awards, notably the coveted titles of Best Actor and Best Actress. The announcement sets the stage for a competitive race among veteran stars and rising talents in one of the region’s most watched annual television events.
The Race for Best Actor Heats Up
The selection for the Best Actor award, often referred to as “TV King,” features a blend of perennial favorites and strong dramatic contenders. Among the ten finalists are powerhouses such as Roger Kwok, Bosco Wong, Ruco Chan, Moses Chan, and Kenneth Ma, affirming their continued relevance in TVB productions. They are joined by Raymond Lam, Joel Chan, Owen Cheung, and rising star Kalok Chow, ensuring a genuine generational contest.
Significantly, only one of the heavy favorites, Him Law, attended a press conference organized today to promote the nominees. The absence of the remaining leading men left the spotlight squarely on Law, whose recent performances have garnered significant critical acclaim. Notably absent from the top ten were Edwin Siu and Shaun Tam, despite garnering strong audience support for their recent roles, underscoring the fierce competition to make the final cut in an exceptionally talented field.
A Star-Studded Best Actress Lineup
The shortlist for the Best Actress title reflects similar depth, featuring a mix of established award winners and breakout performers. Leading the pack is Charmaine Sheh, a multiple award recipient who remains a major draw for the network. She is joined by Selena Lee, Jinny Ng, Moon Lau, Kelly Fu, Jacky Choi, Kelly Cheung, Jessica Hsuan, Alice Chan, and Hera Chan.
A notable nomination is Selena Lee, who has enjoyed robust critical praise for her dramatic work. However, the nomination list also highlighted a significant exclusion: former TVB contract artist Ali Lee. Although Ali Lee earned an initial nomination for her performance in the drama The Sparrow Quartet, she ultimately did not secure a spot among the final ten contenders. This exclusion illustrates the difficulty faced by actors who have recently departed the studio in gaining major award recognition, even following strong performances.
Implications for the Industry
The TVB Anniversary Awards serve as a crucial barometer of momentum within Hong Kong’s television scene, influencing future roles and casting decisions. The inclusion of new names like Kalok Chow and Jinny Ng signals TVB’s strategy to nurture and promote its next generation of leading actors, maintaining audience engagement amidst growing competition from streaming platforms and regional content producers.
“These shortlists represent the best of what TVB delivered this past year,” commented a longtime entertainment columnist. “The mix of loyal veterans and fresh energy indicates a promising trajectory for the network’s future content. The competition for the main awards is likely to be intense, particularly considering the highly publicized returns of several acclaimed actors to major production roles.”
The ultimate winners will be announced at the grand ceremony early next year. Until then, industry analysis and public debate will center on who possesses the strongest narrative and performance resonance to claim these prestigious industry honors. The public voting phase is expected to heavily influence the final results, transforming the coming weeks into a period of intense fan campaigning and speculation.
