The eligibility roster for the prestigious 44th Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) has officially been announced, listing 47 Cantonese films slated for the 2025 ceremony; however, the exclusion of several high-profile features is already generating significant online discussion and concern within the local film industry.
Yesterday, the HKFA released the official list of movies meeting the selection criteria: any Hong Kong film that premiered publicly with paid admission in Hong Kong for seven consecutive days, with no fewer than five screenings per day, between January 1 and December 31, 2025, automatically qualifies for consideration. While the list covers nearly five dozen productions, attentive netizens quickly pointed out the absence of at least four anticipated 2025 releases that ostensibly meet these rigorous theatrical standards.
High-Profile Snubs Raise Industry Questions
Among the films notably missing from the initial eligibility registry are Anthony Wong’s latest projects, The Unforgivable Crime and Today Should Be Very Happy. Also excluded were On the Way to the Hospital, starring Louis Koo and Tony Wu Tsz-tung, and Mother Earth, which features Golden Horse Award-winning actress Fan Bingbing. The surprising absences have prompted widespread speculation about the technical reasons for the omissions, placing the spotlight squarely on the selection process.
Actress Angeles Yuen, who starred in the omitted film On the Way to the Hospital, addressed the controversy during a recent promotional event for her new movie, E-Sports Girls. Yuen stated she was following the news and admitted the situation raised internal questions.
“I only know as much as everyone else. I am quite unsure of the reason [for the exclusion],” Yuen remarked. While acknowledging the disappointment, particularly as On the Way to the Hospital was a labor of love produced four years ago, she maintained a pragmatic outlook, expressing a desire to understand the technical rationale behind the decision. “I am curious to know why.”
Focus Shifts to Box Office Amid Challenges
Yuen is also vying for the Best Actress award for her role in E-Sports Girls. Despite her individual awards prospects, she emphasized that industry success currently hinges more on audience engagement than trophies, particularly given the recent difficulties facing local cinemas.
The Hong Kong film market has recently faced palpable struggles, including significant theatre closures. Yuen described her efforts to boost cinematic attendance as akin to a “tiny grain of dust,” searching for meaningful ways to contribute to revitalization. She is even considering unique promotional methods, such as cosplay meet-and-greets, to encourage ticket sales for E-Sports Girls.
The film, which focuses on five young women pursuing their dreams in competitive gaming, took four years to produce with a budget of HK$5 million, featuring extensive action sequences and high-quality computer-generated (CG) effects. Yuen is optimistic that their meticulous efforts will translate into positive box office returns.
Emerging Talent Eyes Future Success
Meanwhile, fellow emerging talent Natalie Ng finds herself shortlisted for both Best Supporting Actress and Best New Performer categories for her roles in The Gambler’s Ultimate Winning and E-Sports Girls. Ng expressed confidence and optimism about her future in the industry.
“My initial goal is to successfully gain nominations,” Ng stated, referencing the industry mantra sometimes associated with film success. She playfully added, “I see myself as a star of tomorrow, a pillar of the Hong Kong film industry.”
Ng also provided an update on a recent legal matter involving her former management company, citing optimism regarding the recovery of over HK$1.3 million, including interest, in outstanding service fees owed by an advertising public relations firm.
The ongoing conversation regarding the HKFA eligibility list underscores the intense scrutiny placed on the selection process and highlights the fragile yet resilient spirit of Hong Kong’s cinema landscape as it navigates economic challenges while celebrating its artistic output. The HKFA organizers are expected to provide further clarification regarding the selection decisions as the industry prepares for the formal nomination announcements in the coming months.
