HONG KONG – Actress Liao Tzu-yu claimed the coveted Best Actress title at the 2025 Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards, solidifying her status as a leading talent in the regional cinema landscape. The accolade, received for her compelling performance in the film Love Like This, caps an extraordinary year for the artist who saw five of her feature films released, showcasing remarkable versatility in a demanding industry climate often characterized by contraction.
Liao’s victory underscores a surge in critical recognition following a period of intense productivity. Over the past year, the actress appeared in prominent roles across diverse genres, including Once Possessed, The Mortal Cradle, Villain’s Code, Love Like This, and Extraordinary Girl. This breadth of work, ranging from complex dramatic leads to intense supporting characters, positioned her as a central figure in recent filmmaking output, capturing the attention of critics and audiences alike.
Reflecting on her prolific schedule, Liao shared a candid assessment of the challenging yet rewarding production environment yesterday on social media. She acknowledged the unusual nature of her output, stating the simultaneous release of five starring roles within a single calendar year felt “dreamlike,” and perhaps an anomaly unlikely to be repeated. Her comments touch upon current industry challenges, often referred to as a “cold spell” in the film sector, making her sustained success particularly notable.
The actress expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities to contribute to filmmaking in the contemporary era. She humorously questioned her persistent presence, asking if she was “always around,” before affirming her commitment to a career driven by artistic integrity rather than stringent strategic planning.
Liao views her professional journey with a sense of humility and pragmatism. She adopted a philosophical perspective on the unpredictable nature of show business, suggesting career longevity often depends on factors beyond an individual’s control, comparing the provision of opportunities to a destiny “bestowed by fate.” This perspective informs her approach to future endeavors, which she describes as “taking things step by step,” emphasizing a desire to continue exploring and maturing within the cinematic world.
Industry analysts suggest Liao Tzu-yu’s recognition is a significant indicator of emerging talent succeeding through consistent, high-quality output, even when the broader market faces economic pressures. Her ability to inhabit varied roles—from the protagonist Ah Mei in the award-winning Love Like This to Ah Lok in Extraordinary Girl and Lisin in The Mortal Cradle—demonstrates a crucial adaptiveness prized by directors.
As the Hong Kong film industry seeks to maintain its global relevance, the emergence of artists like Liao, who navigate commercial demands while delivering critically acclaimed performances, provides a vital injection of energy and creative credibility. Experts anticipate that her recent honor will open doors to even more ambitious international projects, further cementing her ascent in East Asian cinema. Liao’s commitment remains centered on a “pure heart” approach to her craft, aiming to build on her current momentum through continuous engagement with challenging roles.
