The cinematic landscape of Hong Kong is abuzz with anticipation as the nominations for the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards have been unveiled, igniting fervent discussions among movie enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Leading the charge with an impressive 10 nominations, the poignant drama Goodbye UFO has emerged as this year’s frontrunner, signaling a powerful contender for cinematic glory. This widespread recognition follows the film’s earlier triumph, having already secured the Best Film Award at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards, underscoring its critical acclaim and resonant storytelling.
The slate of nominations for Goodbye UFO is a testament to its comprehensive artistic merit, spanning across major categories including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, alongside numerous accolades for acting and technical achievements. Despite its release in 2019, the film’s enduring impact and subsequent nominations highlight a narrative that continues to captivate audiences and critics. Producer and screenwriter Amy Chin, whose creative vision helmed Goodbye UFO, expressed a profound sense of surprise and gratitude for the film’s sustained success. "It turns out that a dream, really can bring out hope!" Chin exclaimed, reflecting on the arduous journey the film undertook. "Thank you to the industry for their support. It was a tough journey for ‘Goodbye UFO’ to get to where it is today. Thank you to the team and every audience member who told us to ‘keep going.’ We hope everyone will continue to go to the cinema to support ‘Goodbye UFO.’ Hong Kong films need audiences to continue." Her heartfelt words underscore the collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication that fueled the project, emphasizing the vital role of audience support in sustaining the vibrancy of Hong Kong cinema.
Adding to the film’s strong showing, Hong Kong actor Wong You Nam has earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while Michelle Wai is a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress. Both artists have expressed their excitement at the recognition, echoing Chin’s sentiments about the importance of continued audience engagement with Goodbye UFO. Their performances have been pivotal in bringing the film’s emotional depth and compelling characters to life, further solidifying the film’s appeal across multiple facets of filmmaking.
In a significant directorial debut, acclaimed actress Shu Qi has made a powerful statement at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards with her film Girl. The project has garnered three nominations in major creative categories: Best Director, Best New Director, and Best Screenplay. This directorial venture marks a new chapter for Shu Qi, who has already cemented her reputation as a formidable talent in front of the camera. Her previous win for Best Director at the Busan International Film Festival had already signaled her prowess in helming a film, and this latest recognition in Hong Kong further solidifies her transition and talent as a director on the international stage. The anticipation surrounding Shu Qi’s return to Hong Kong cinema in this new capacity is palpable, with many eager to witness the creative vision she brings to the screen.
Meanwhile, the upcoming film Girlfriend is already generating considerable buzz, positioned as a potential dark horse in this year’s awards race. Despite its release date set for March 5th, the film has captured attention, notably through actress Elizabeth Tang’s dual nominations in her very first feature film. Tang is vying for both Best New Performer and Best Supporting Actress, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about her talent and the impactful role she delivers in Girlfriend.
Tang shared her overwhelming gratitude for the accolades, stating, "Thank you everyone! I especially want to thank my co-star Han Ning, and all the crew members! As a new actress, I’m incredibly lucky to have encountered a production team where actors can feel comfortable and at ease! I also sincerely thank director Tracy for choosing to believe in me as someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience. Girlfriend officially releases on March 5th, I hope everyone will support it!" Her sincere appreciation highlights the supportive environment on set and her profound thankfulness for the opportunity to shine in her debut. The film’s impending release, coupled with Tang’s nominations, has significantly heightened interest in Girlfriend, positioning it as a must-watch for cinephiles.
Adding another layer of excitement to the Best Actress race, psychological drama Peg O’ My Heart has secured four nominations, with its leading lady, Fala Chen, widely considered a frontrunner for the Best Actress Award. Chen’s performance in the film is described as a profound exploration of emotional turmoil, charting her character’s journey from beginning to end. Reflecting on her nomination, Fala Chen expressed deep emotion, marking her return to Hong Kong filmmaking after a decade. "It has been 10 years since I have returned to Hong Kong to film a Hong Kong movie. I am deeply moved to receive this nomination. I am very grateful that my Hong Kong colleagues and audiences did not forget about me. I am also very grateful to director Nick Cheung and producer Chung Chun for giving me this opportunity, and to the entire team for making my character have so much depth." Her words resonate with a sense of homecoming and appreciation for the collaborative efforts that allowed her to deliver such a powerful performance. The critical reception of Peg O’ My Heart and Chen’s standout performance suggest a compelling narrative that tackles complex psychological themes with artistic finesse.
The 44th Hong Kong Film Awards nominations represent a diverse and talented field of contenders, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents. The prevalence of films like Goodbye UFO, Girl, and Girlfriend in the nomination lists underscores a vibrant and evolving Hong Kong film industry, one that continues to produce compelling stories that resonate both locally and internationally. As the awards ceremony approaches, the excitement builds, promising a night of celebration for cinematic excellence and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. The diverse range of genres and themes represented, from heartfelt dramas to psychological thrillers, reflects the industry’s commitment to artistic exploration and its capacity to engage audiences with a wide spectrum of narratives. This year’s nominations serve as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit that defines Hong Kong cinema. The continued success and recognition of these films not only honor the individuals involved but also bolster the broader film community, inspiring future generations of filmmakers and storytellers. The anticipation for the awards ceremony is further fueled by the promise of a night filled with emotional acceptance speeches, insightful reflections on the filmmaking process, and a collective celebration of Hong Kong’s cinematic achievements. The nominated films have not only entertained but have also sparked important conversations, tackled complex social issues, and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, solidifying their place in the annals of Hong Kong film history. The nominees are:
Best Film:
- Goodbye UFO
- Girl
- Girlfriend
- Peg O’ My Heart
- [Additional nominated films, if available, would be listed here]
Best Director:
- [Director of Goodbye UFO]
- Shu Qi for Girl
- [Director of Girlfriend]
- [Director of Peg O’ My Heart]
- [Additional nominated directors, if available, would be listed here]
Best Screenplay:
- [Screenwriter(s) of Goodbye UFO]
- Shu Qi for Girl
- [Screenwriter(s) of Girlfriend]
- [Screenwriter(s) of Peg O’ My Heart]
- [Additional nominated screenplays, if available, would be listed here]
Best Actor:
- [Nominees for Best Actor, if available, would be listed here]
Best Actress:
- Fala Chen for Peg O’ My Heart
- [Additional nominated actresses, if available, would be listed here]
Best Supporting Actor:
- Wong You Nam for Goodbye UFO
- [Additional nominated supporting actors, if available, would be listed here]
Best Supporting Actress:
- Michelle Wai for Goodbye UFO
- Elizabeth Tang for Girlfriend
- [Additional nominated supporting actresses, if available, would be listed here]
Best New Performer:
- Elizabeth Tang for Girlfriend
- [Additional nominated new performers, if available, would be listed here]
Best New Director:
- Shu Qi for Girl
- [Additional nominated new directors, if available, would be listed here]
The inclusion of films like Goodbye UFO and Girlfriend in multiple major categories speaks to their strong narrative coherence and overall production quality. The nominations for Goodbye UFO are particularly noteworthy given its 2019 release, suggesting a film that has maintained its critical relevance and artistic impact over time. The film’s ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike, even years after its initial release, points to a timeless quality in its storytelling and thematic exploration. Amy Chin’s statement about dreams bringing hope and the challenging journey of the film emphasizes the perseverance and dedication required to bring impactful cinema to the screen. Her gratitude towards the industry and the audience highlights the symbiotic relationship between creators and their viewers, a relationship crucial for the survival and growth of any film industry.
Shu Qi’s foray into directing with Girl is a significant development, showcasing her versatility and ambition within the film industry. Her previous accolades in directing from international festivals had already set a high bar, and her nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards further validate her directorial talent. The fact that she is nominated for Best Director and Best New Director simultaneously is a rare and impressive feat, indicating a strong debut that has immediately placed her among the esteemed ranks of Hong Kong’s directorial talent. The anticipation surrounding her work as a director reflects a broader interest in seeing established artists evolve and contribute to the industry in new capacities.
The emergence of Girlfriend as a dark horse, particularly with Elizabeth Tang’s dual nominations, is a testament to the potential for breakthrough performances and films to capture attention even before a wide release. Tang’s gratitude and acknowledgment of her co-star Han Ning and director Tracy underscore the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of supportive environments for new talent. Her heartfelt words about feeling comfortable and at ease on set are particularly poignant, suggesting that the film provided a nurturing space for her to deliver a memorable performance. The upcoming release date of March 5th has now become a focal point for many, with the hope that the film will live up to the promise shown by its nominations.
Fala Chen’s nomination for Best Actress for her role in Peg O’ My Heart marks a significant return to Hong Kong cinema and a powerful artistic statement. Her decade-long absence and subsequent impactful return, as she herself noted, makes this nomination deeply moving. Her gratitude towards her Hong Kong colleagues and the audience for not forgetting her speaks to a deep connection with her roots and a desire to contribute to the local film scene. The acknowledgment of director Nick Cheung and producer Chung Chun, along with the entire team, highlights the collaborative effort that goes into creating a character with such depth, and Fala Chen’s performance is a direct result of this dedicated teamwork. The psychological nature of Peg O’ My Heart suggests a film that delves into complex human emotions, and Fala Chen’s potential win would be a significant recognition of her ability to inhabit such challenging roles.
The collective nominations across these films paint a vibrant picture of the current state of Hong Kong cinema. They highlight a blend of established narratives and fresh perspectives, promising an exciting awards ceremony and a continued legacy of compelling storytelling. The awards night itself will undoubtedly be a celebration of these achievements, bringing together the brightest stars and most talented individuals in the Hong Kong film industry to acknowledge their contributions and honor their artistic endeavors. The diversity of the nominated films and the breadth of categories in which they are recognized underscore the industry’s ongoing commitment to producing high-quality, diverse, and impactful cinema that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The anticipation for the awards ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the cultural significance of film and its ability to reflect, shape, and inspire society.
