Rich harvest for Golden Era at HK Film Awards

The Golden Era, a biopic of an acclaimed Chinese writer in the 1930s, won praise from Hong Kong's prestigious film academy on Sunday, scooping five prizes including best film at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

The three-hour drama tells the story of renowned novelist Xiao Hong, who enjoyed literary success despite living a short life battered by disease and political unrest.

In the ceremony at the southern Chinese city's harbourside Cultural Centre, the film snapped up the awards for best costume and make-up, best cinematography and best art direction, as well as best director for Ann Hui On Wah.

"I am feeling very thankful. It wasn't an easy one to make. It took a lot of trial and error," Hui told reporters backstage.

The thriller Overheard 3 won three gongs at the glittering ceremony which, along with Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, is one of the Chinese film industry's most prestigious events.

Overheard 3 revolves around a row between developers over a controversial residential project in one of Hong Kong's rural towns.

The movie's star, Sean Lau Ching Wan, took home the best actor title.

"I want to thank everyone who loves Hong Kong and Hong Kong movies," said Lau, who played a villager-turned-property-tycoon in the film.

The best actress prize went to Chinese favourite Zhao Wei, who played a foster mother in Dearest - beating compatriot Tang Wei, who was nominated for her role as Xiao Hong in The Golden Era.

The night also proved to be prolific for Ivana Wong, who was named best new performer and best supporting actress for her role as a prostitute in Golden Chicken SSS.

Wong said: "When I am shooting the next movie, I will feel the pressure."

The winners

Best Film:

The Golden Era

Best Actor:

Sean Lau Ching Wan (Overheard 3)

Best Actress:

Zhao Wei (Dearest)

Best Director:

Ann Hui On Wah (The Golden Era)

Best Screenplay:

Alan Mak Shiu Fai and Felix Chong Man Keung (Overheard 3)

Best Supporting Actor:

Kenneth Tsang (Overheard 3)

Best Supporting Actress:

Ivana Wong (Golden Chicken SSS)

Best New Performer:

Ivana Wong (Golden Chicken SSS)

Best Cinematography:

Wang Yu (The Golden Era)

Best Film Editing:

David Wu (The Crossing, Part 1)

Best Art Direction:

Zhao Hai (The Golden Era)

Best Costume and Make-up Design:

Man Lim Chung (The Golden Era)

Best Action Choreography:

Donnie Yen, Stephen Tung Wai, Yuen Bun, Yan Hua (Kung Fu Jungle)

Best Sound Design:

Tu Duu Chih (The Crossing, Part 1)

Best Visual Effects:

Victor Wong and Bryan Cheung (Rise Of The Legend)

Best New Director:

David Lee Kwong Yiu (Insanity)

Best Original Film Score:

Ellen Loo and Veronica Lee (The Midnight After)

Best Original Film Song:

Destination (Aberdeen)

Best Film From Mainland And Taiwan:

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