Shu Qi's debut film 'Girl' just won the Best New Director award at the Hong Kong Film Awards on the evening of April 19th. Meanwhile, Tony Leung has just won his fifth Best Actor award.
Shu Qi received the Best New Director award at the 2026 Hong Kong Film Awards.
PHOTO: HK01
The 44th Hong Kong Film Awards (Golden Awards) ceremony took place on the evening of April 19th, bringing together numerous leading artists and film crews from the Chinese film industry. Best New Director was one of the categories announced early on the night, and Shu Qi was the outstanding winner. Shu Qi earned this honor for her directorial debut film, * Girl* .
On stage, the 70s-born star shared that she never expected to receive another award for "Outstanding Newcomer" 30 years after entering the Hong Kong film industry. Recalling the moment she was honored as Best New Actress and Best Supporting Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards, she expressed her gratitude for the support and recognition she received. Shu Qi also humorously admitted that she is the oldest among the new directors in the film industry and happily accepts that. "Just think about it, I have 30 years of experience in the film industry. It's not that you're not good, it's just that I'm too old," the filmmaker shared.
Girl is a project Shu Qi has been working on for many years, marking her directorial debut. The film competed for the Golden Lion at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and also earned Shu Qi the Best Director award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.
Tony Leung Ka-fai wins Best Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards for the fifth time.
PHOTO: HK01
Besides Shu Qi's victory, the latest Hong Kong Film Awards also drew attention with the win of actor Tony Leung. The veteran star brilliantly surpassed Louis Koo and other talented colleagues to win Best Actor for his role in The Shadow's Edge . This achievement places the 68-year-old actor among the greatest names in Hong Kong Film Awards history, marking his fifth win in this prestigious category.
On the awards stage, Tony Leung shared that this year marks the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards, and also his 44th year working in the Hong Kong film industry. "Therefore, this nomination is especially meaningful to me. Whether I win or lose, it will be a lifelong honor," the veteran star shared. He also thanked his manager for "enduring many reprimands and scoldings from me." The artist, now in his 70s, thanked his loved ones and couldn't hold back his emotions when mentioning his wife, sharing that his life partner has always been patient and supportive throughout the past several decades.
Liao Ziyu surpasses Zhang Ziyi to win Best Actress at the 2026 Hong Kong Film Awards.
PHOTO: HK01
After more than 30 years of ups and downs in his career, Luong Bach Kien was honored for the first time as Best Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
PHOTO: HK01
Meanwhile, this year's Best Actress award went to Liao Ziyu for her role in Someone Like Me . The film Ciao, UFO surpassed A Journey to the West and a host of other major contenders to win Best Picture. The film also helped director Liang Baijian win Best Director. Sons of the Neon Night, on the other hand, won the most awards of the night with 8, mostly in supporting categories: Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor, Best Art Direction…