HONG KONG – The nominees for the prestigious 44th Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) were unveiled today, setting the stage for a highly anticipated cinematic showdown, particularly in the race for Best Actress, which features a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and rising talents. The announcement spotlights the region’s vibrant film industry and confirms the breadth of creative talent being recognized this year.
The competition for the coveted Best Actress trophy includes five formidable performances. Vying for the honor are Marley Ma for her role in Dumpling Queen, Angel Hsu for the drama The Nameless Finger, and Fish Liew recognized for her work in A Love Like Mine. Also making the list are two globally recognized stars: mainland Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi for the historical mystery The Suspense of Sauces Alley, and former Hong Kong television darling Fala Chen for the thriller Dream Redemption.
Fala Chen Marks Emotional Return to HK Cinema
Chen’s nomination stands out, representing her significant return to Hong Kong filmmaking after a decade pursuing international projects. Upon receiving the news, the actress expressed profound gratitude and emotion regarding the recognition.
“Returning to film a Hong Kong production after 10 years and immediately receiving this nomination is incredibly moving,” Chen stated shortly after the announcement. “I am deeply thankful that my peers and the audience in Hong Kong have not forgotten me. I also owe a massive debt of gratitude to director Nick Cheung and producer Catherine Chung for giving me this unique opportunity, and to the entire crew whose work helped make my character so rich and multifaceted.”
Chen’s acknowledgment underscores the professional camaraderie within the industry and the emotional connection many expatriate actors retain with their roots in local cinema.
A Diverse Field of Talent
The shortlist reflects the diverse genres and narratives driving contemporary Chinese-language cinema. Marley Ma, known primarily for comedic roles, secured her nod for a rare foray into dramatic territory, while Angel Hsu represents the emerging generation of powerful young actresses making their mark. Zhang Ziyi’s inclusion highlights the continuous collaboration between mainland and Hong Kong production houses on large-scale period films.
While the Best Actress race gains immediate attention, the HKFA also announced a heated contest for Best Actor. As previously reported, that category sees two nominations for cinematic heavyweight Louis Koo, pitting him against strong contenders including Nick Cheung, Carlos Chan, and cinematic legend Tony Leung Ka-fai, ensuring drama on both sides of the lead acting ledger.
The 44th Hong Kong Film Awards seeks to honor achievements across dozens of technical and creative disciplines. The nominations serve as a critical barometer of the year’s artistic accomplishments and often propel the careers of winners onto the global stage. The formal presentation ceremony is scheduled for the coming months, where industry insiders and fans will watch to see who ultimately claims the gold.
