Hong Kong, [Date] — The annual television awards ceremony unveiled the final ten nominees for its 14 categories today, immediately sparking intense speculation, particularly in the highly coveted Best Actor and Best Actress races. The announcement confirmed surprising cuts and inclusions, setting the stage for a dramatic awards night in 2025.
The selection process drew immediate attention as veteran actor Roger Kwok, who recently departed the station, secured a spot among the final ten contenders for Best Actor. Conversely, prominent actress Ali Lee was notably absent from the Best Actress shortlist. Despite facing significant competition, actor Him Law expressed confidence in his ability to secure both the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor trophies, potentially making television history.
Several actresses competing for the Best Actress title acknowledged the difficulty of their cohort. Kelly Cheung, Hera Chan, and Jacqueline Chong admitted they had already curtailed their expectations, citing the presence of established industry titans like Charmaine Sheh and Jessica Hsuan.
Hera Chan articulated her strong support for the shortlisted Roger Kwok, publicly downplaying the notion that his departure from the network would diminish his chances of winning. “While Him Law is widely considered the front-runner, Mr. Kwok might be his fiercest competitor,” Chan remarked, adding that her family strongly supports the veteran star’s nomination. She also jokingly alluded to the competitive dynamics among her colleagues, recalling a lighthearted comment she made to a peer regarding Law’s confidence.
The nomination disclosures highlighted the perceived challenge for newer nominees. Both Chan and Jacqueline Chong achieved their first Best Actress nominations this year. They candidly described themselves as the “underdogs,” noting that the recent cancellation of the “Malaysia Best Actress” award further reduced their perceived probability of clinching a major prize. Chong, resigning herself to a probable loss, preemptively shared her sentiments simply on being nominated, though she affirmed her intention to meticulously prepare to push for a top-five placement. When asked about Best Actor predictions, Chong bypassed recent winners, advocating instead for Bowie Lam from the series Uncovering the Truth 12.
In the Best Supporting Actor category, competitor Joey Law, who recently starred alongside Kwok, confirmed he had not inquired about Kwok’s attendance at the ceremony. Law, who also received a nomination, expressed his contentment just to be included among formidable actors like veteran David Chiang. He confirmed a mutual voting pact with rumored partner Nicole Wong, who is a finalist in the Best Female Host category.
The nominations underscored the shift in competitive dynamics following the consolidation of regional awards into the main event. While the field remains tough, the inclusion of veterans and recent departures indicates that talent, not just current contract status, continues to be recognized. The awards ceremony is eagerly anticipated, as the industry awaits whether a veteran or a rising star will take home the night’s most coveted prizes.
