44th Hong Kong Film Awards: Lim Yee-Fong Creates New History for Malaysian Cinema, Names Yeo Yann Yann, Wu Pei Qi in Her Thanks

Lim Yee-Fong has not only become the second Malaysian actress in 23 years to win the Best Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards, but also the first Malaysian actor to collect both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress honors, truly writing a new chapter in history. Previously, she already bagged Best Actress for the same film at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards and the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Annual Awards; now, with another win, she has accumulated three Best Actress titles, proving her acclaimed talent.

During a post-ceremony celebration with Malaysian media, she said the ones she most wanted to thank were her family back home. “I must especially thank my parents and sister, who have supported me all these years. After developing my career in Hong Kong for so long, it's only in recent years that we've seen some results. I want to dedicate this award to them, in hopes that winning this will ease their worries a bit, as I've truly achieved something of my own here.”

She also recalled her early days starting out in Malaysia and expressed gratitude to the directors and seniors who gave her opportunities. “I'm very thankful to everyone who gave me opportunities when I was acting in Malaysia, including TV directors. I still remember working with Hishiko (Wu Pei Qi); she was so patient and tolerant towards someone like me who had absolutely no experience. At the time, I didn’t even understand lighting or movements on set, but her gentle guidance left me with a wonderful first impression of filming, not scaring me off.”

In addition, she talked about learning acting from Yeo Yann Yann and admitted that the guidance and strictness made her benefit a lot. “Along the way, I've met many seniors, including quite a few Hong Kong directors, who encouraged and gave me opportunities. Everyone I’ve met in my life has been an important benefactor and nourishment for my growth, and I am truly grateful.”

Lim Yee-Fong went to Hong Kong in 2012 to develop her career, transitioning from a model to an actor and gradually establishing her footing in the film industry, becoming a regular at the Hong Kong Film Awards. As early as 2013, she stood out in “End of Daybreak” and was nominated for Best New Performer at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards; in 2017, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “Sisterhood”; in 2022, she received double nominations for “Anita” and “Limbo” and finally won Best Supporting Actress for her role as “Anita Mui’s Sister” in “Anita.” Afterward, she once again received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards for “A Guilty Conscience.”

Another International Malaysian Film Queen

Malaysia's film industry is filled with talent, repeatedly recognized by international awards and bringing pride to the nation. Besides Lim Yee-Fong, the most high-profile is undoubtedly Michelle Yeoh, who has set records in Hollywood and international cinema.

Michelle Yeoh is a flagship figure for Malaysian cinema and currently the most accomplished Malaysian actor globally. In 2023, Michelle Yeoh won Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards (Oscars) for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” becoming the first Asian and Malaysian artist to take home the honor. The same year, she also won the Golden Globe Award (Comedy or Musical) for Best Actress.

In February 2026, Michelle Yeoh was officially named on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the first Malaysian to receive this honor.

In addition, “Queen of Horror” Angelica Lee in 2002 swept the Golden Horse Best Actress, Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress, and Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards for her performance in the thriller “The Eye,” earning her the rare honor of “Triple Awards Queen.” Yeo Yann Yann, with her delicate yet powerful acting, has also swept numerous awards at Chinese-language and international film festivals, including the Golden Horse Award and Asia-Pacific Film Festival Best Supporting Actress for “Ilo Ilo,” and the 56th Golden Horse Award Best Actress for “Wet Season.”