The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards: Sean Lau Wins Best Actor for the Fourth Time, Michelle Wai Wins Best Actress Popularity Award

The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony was held on the 27th at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged" which received 14 nominations, overwhelmed "Break·Hell" by sweeping 9 awards, becoming the biggest winner. The Best Actor and Actress were Sean Lau for "Papa" and Michelle Wai for "Break·Hell"!

Sean Lau played the head of the family in "Papa", leading a peaceful and warm life until his wife and daughter were killed by their son who suffers from schizophrenia, leaving the family shattered. As a survivor, he struggles to maintain a normal life while dealing with the relationship with his son. Sean Lau's delicate performance deeply portrayed the character's pain and struggle, leading him to win Best Actor at the 18th Asian Film Awards. Previously, Sean Lau had won the Best Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards three times, and this is his fourth win. He said, "Many seniors are here today. If it weren't for you, I would be the senior now! Director of 'Papa', don't cry! Thank you to my wife, especially my dad (emotional), thank you to that one dad!"

Michelle Wai won Best Actress for "Break·Hell" and has had a major breakthrough in acting. Already a winner at the Huading Awards, Asia Pacific Film Festival, Macau International Movie Festival, and New Era Glorious Flowers Film Awards, she claimed another victory at the Hong Kong Film Awards, living up to expectations. When accepting the award, Michelle Wai said, "Brother, we won! Thank you to my family, dad, mom, husband, for giving me a safe fortress to chase my dreams. Thank you to all the directors and producers who have worked with me over the years, and to Director Lee for not giving up on me when I wanted to give up!" Thanks were also given to the "Break·Hell" team. "Break·Hell", which was nominated 18 times, ultimately won five awards including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Original Film Music, and Best Original Film Song.

Bak-Kong Chu won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Break·Hell", where he played a mediocre, indecisive son who followed in his father's footsteps to become a nildo priest due to educational failures. On stage, Chu said, "I am grateful to have met my family, my mommy, my brother, and my dad in heaven," and he thanked the "Break·Hell" team. Josie Ho, who also won the Best Supporting Actress on her first nomination for "Papa", was emotional on stage and said, "Thank you, Director Derek Tsang, who is brave and talented beyond words. I deeply admire him. Thank you, Sean Lau, for indulging our family. I've already seen you as my dad." She grew more emotional, thanking all the cast and crew and the investors, as well as her own family.

Johnnie To, serving as a presenter, awarded the Best New Performers to Tsoi Man-Tao, an 18-year-old from "Papa", who portrayed Sean Lau’s son and committed murder in the film. Tsoi's debut performance was noteworthy. Tsoi received the award calmly, thanking the director, acting coach, and everyone for taking a chance on someone without any acting experience.

The Best Costume Design Award went to Kwok Wa and Fala Chen, while other categories like Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Action Choreography, Best Costume & Makeup Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Effects were all awarded to "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged", making it the biggest winner of the night. The late winner of the Best Costume & Makeup Design award, Yu Ga-on, and not being able to attend due to circumstances, Ye Ka-yin was honored by Director Daniel Cheng receiving the award on their behalf. He stated that he was very honored to win the award and hoped the audience would give the late Yu Ga-on a final round of applause, to which the crowd responded with loud applause, creating an emotional atmosphere.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards this year went to Tsui Hark and Shi Nan-Sang, presented by Brigitte Lin. Tsui Hark and Shi Nan-Sang were once married but later divorced; however, they have maintained a very good relationship. Tsui Hark thanked Wu Si-yuan for opening the door to the film industry for him, and he deeply appreciated Shi Nan-Sang for supporting their company, allowing him to face all challenges fearlessly. Presenter Brigitte Lin also spoke about her connection with Tsui Hark and Shi Nan-Sang, thanking Tsui for making the film "Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain" with her, which solidified their unbreakable bond and gave her a second career peak in the film industry, for which she was very grateful.

Best Film: "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Director: Daniel Cheng "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Actor: Sean Lau "Papa"

Best Actress: Michelle Wai "Break·Hell"

Best Supporting Actor: Bak-Kong Chu "Break·Hell"

Best Supporting Actress: Josie Ho "Papa"

Best New Performer: Tsoi Man-Tao "Papa"

Best Screenplay: Lee Man-hon, Cheng Wai-ki "Break·Hell"

Best Cinematography: James Wong "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Editing: Jacob Cheung "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Art Direction: Mak Kwok-keung, Jou Fa-hung "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Action Choreography: Tony Leung "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Costume & Makeup Design: Yu Ga-on, Ye Ka-yin "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Sound Effects: Yiu Chun-hong, Chew Man-kai, To Bun-lei "Kowloon Walled City: Besieged"

Best Visual Effects: Lam Chun-yu, Ma Chiu-fu, Lam Chia-lok, Yu Guo-liang "Kowloon Walled City:Besieged"

Best Original Film Music: Zhu Yunbian "Break·Hell"

Best Original Film Song: "Redeeming All" from "Break·Hell"; composed, lyrics, performed by Lin Jia-kim

New Director: Robin Lee "Hong Kong Four Paths Hiking"

Best Asian Chinese-language Film: "Old Fox"

Best Style Award: Kwok Wa, Fala Chen

Professional Spirit Award: Jiang Xiaoliang, Han Dongqing

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Tsui Hark, Shi Nan-Sang