Hong Kong 1990: From stuntman to King of Kung Fu

Chapter 90 Finding Trouble

After the intermission performance, the awards ceremony took place, bringing with it its most anticipated moment.

The Best Supporting Actress award went unsurprisingly to Deanie Ip for "Dances with Dragon," as she was the frontrunner.

The Best Supporting Actor award was given to Kwan Hoi-shan for his role in "Lee Rock".

This award was mainly contested between him and Kent Cheng from "To Be Number One".

These two biographical films will be in full competition for several awards in the coming weeks.

These films, along with "Once Upon a Time in China," are the three most nominated films at this year's Hong Kong Film Awards, each receiving seven nominations.

"Once Upon a Time in China" has already won three awards, "To Be Number One" won Best Screenplay, and "Lee Rock" has now won Best Supporting Actor.

The Best Actress award presented next was unrelated to these three films, all of which were male-dominated productions.

Rosamund Kwan's portrayal of Aunt Thirteen is famous because of her beauty, not because of her outstanding acting skills.

As the award presenter arrived, last year's Best Actor winner, Zhang Guorong, slowly walked onto the stage.

Both the Best Actor and Best Actress winners were highly anticipated, attracting even more attention than the Best Picture winners. Almost everyone in the audience was staring at the envelope in his hand.

The five candidates, in particular, looked nervous, yet also somewhat expectant.

Liu Jialing was so nervous that her palms were sweating.

Of the five, she had the least seniority, and she desperately wanted to win an Best Actress award to solidify her position.

Perhaps the calmest was Carol Cheng, the previous Best Actress winner.

She knew very well that it was unlikely she would win Best Actress again this time for the sequel to the film for which she had won Best Actress last year.

Therefore, she was the most composed of the five.

But having received the nomination, she inevitably felt a sliver of anticipation.

What if the judges think she acted well and let her win Best Actress for the second time?

However, when Zhang Guorong called out a name, her sliver of hope was shattered.

"Congratulations to Cecilia Yip on 'Marriage: A Tale of Unspoken Words'."

Carol Cheng quickly composed herself and gave Cecilia Yip a warm round of applause.

Liu Jialing looked dejected and almost lost control of her emotions. Only when she saw the camera panning towards her did she manage a slightly forced smile.

Ye Tong walked slowly onto the stage with a smile on her face.

She won Best Actress at the 2nd Hong Kong Film Awards in 1983 for her role in "Wrong Wedding Night," marking her second time winning the award.

This year can be described as a fruitful year for her career.

At the beginning of the year, the TV series "The Legend of the White Snake" in which she starred became a hit across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

She entered the public eye of countless families with her role as Xu Xian.

Especially in mainland China, this drama became an unprecedented hit.

Zhao Yazhi became the dream goddess of three generations from that moment on.

Ye Tong's performance was so good that many people didn't recognize her as a woman, causing her to miss out on a lot of attention.

Subsequently, the Best Actor award was given to Tsang Chi-wai for "Twin Cities Story".

This film is Chen Kexin's directorial debut, and it must be said that he has a knack for making art films.

The next film, "Comrades: Almost a Love Story," is an even more classic.

However, after moving north in the new century, he, like Wu Yusheng, liked to use mainland funds to promote Hong Kong and Taiwan artists.

The difference is that he did it more discreetly, unlike Wu Yusheng who openly expressed it.

Actually, Stephen Chow, Raymond Lam, and Chow Yun-fat all gave excellent performances.

But there's nothing we can do; the Hong Kong Film Awards have always favored art-house films.

Next, the Best Director award was presented, with Tsui Hark beating out Wu Yusheng, Chen Jiashang, and others to win the award.

This is also Tsui Hark's first time winning the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Director, adding another trophy to "Once Upon a Time in China".

The grand prize for Best Film was awarded to "To Be Number One".

The 11th Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony has now concluded.

"Once Upon a Time in China" emerged as the biggest winner, taking home four awards: Best Director, Best Editing, Best Action Choreography, and Best Original Film Score.

"To Be Number One" won two of the most prestigious awards: Best Picture and Best Screenplay.

"Lee Rock" only won the Best Supporting Actor award, losing out to the previous two films in the competition.

But there's something even more regrettable.

Stephen Chow's "Fight Back to School" was a box office hit and received four nominations, but ultimately won no awards.

Wu Yusheng's classic film "Once a Thief" also received 4 nominations and 0 nominations.

Tsui Hark and Tang Long's collaboration, "New Dragon Gate Inn," also failed to win any of its four nominations.

"New Dragon Gate Inn" was nominated for all the major awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay.

The nominations raised high expectations for them, who thought they would at least win one, but they ended up failing completely.

Regret is common; we can only try again next time.

Tang Long quickly composed himself and attended the ensuing banquet.

For many, the Oscar banquet is more important.

The industry's elites gather together, and many projects are finalized in such settings.

"Ah Long, according to the preparation schedule, 'Sha Po Lang' doesn't need to wait until June 1st; filming can start in mid-May."

We have already spoken with the Police Public Relations Branch, and the West Kowloon Police Station will cooperate with our filming.

"Have the actors' arrival times been agreed upon?"

While Tang Long was filming "Swordsman II" in mainland China, Cui Baozhu, the producer, and Tang Jili, the director, were preparing for "SPL: Sha Po Lang".

Tang Long had already finalized all the casting choices. Donnie Yen was initially unwilling, but Tang Jili personally approached him and explained the action style of "SPL: Sha Po Lang," which impressed him. In the end, he couldn't resist and agreed.

"Liang Jiahui's casting is still uncertain. He is currently filming the French film 'The Lover' in Vietnam, but he should be able to join the crew before June."

"Since the actors' schedules can be coordinated, let's start filming earlier. The sooner we start filming, the sooner you can go back and participate in 'Police Story 3'."

Upon hearing this, Tang Jili couldn't help but smile wryly: "I don't need to be too involved in the preparation of Police Story 3."

Tang Long immediately understood what he meant. "Police Story 3" was a Jackie Chan film, and Tang Jili was not well-known and did not have much say.

While not exactly a tool, he was limited to the director's primary job.

"In that case, you should focus on filming 'SPL' first," Tang Long said with a smile, patting him on the shoulder.

The two continued to discuss the filming details when a voice suddenly rang in their ears.

"Mr. Tang, could we speak in private for a moment?"

Tang Long and Tang Jili turned around at the same time, but judging from each other's eyes, the words were meant for Tang Long.

Tang Jili was about to get up and leave when he was stopped by Tang Jili's hand.

Looking at the somewhat arrogant middle-aged man in front of him, Tang Long sized him up before saying indifferently, "You are very impolite."

The middle-aged man was taken aback upon hearing this, but then, without changing his tone, he introduced himself with a smile: "My name is Wang Ping, and I am the assistant to Liu Luanxiong, the chairman of the board of directors of the Huaren Group."

Tang Sheng should understand why I came to see you.

Tang Long suddenly realized what was happening and removed his hand from Tang Jili's grasp. The latter understood and got up to leave.

He naturally understood the purpose of Lao Liu's assistant's visit.

From the moment he left Rosamund Kwan behind, he was mentally prepared for Old Liu to cause him trouble.