Literary biopic ‘Golden Era’ tops Hong Kong awards, Ann Hui wins another best director honour

HONG KONG – “The Golden Era,” a biography of Chinese novelist Xiao Hong, won top honours at the Hong Kong Film Awards, with its director Ann Hui claiming her fifth best director trophy.

A trailblazer for female filmmakers, Hui became the record holder for women in the best director category at the Hong Kong Film Awards with her victory Sunday night. She previously won for “A Simple Life,” ”The Way We Are,” ”Summer Snow” and “Boat People.”

The 67-year-old director said that she has her actors, especially leading lady Tang Wei, to thank for that. “‘A Simple Life’ is a film that I know how to make and I know what kind of effects to go for. I don’t think any director knows how to make ‘The Golden Era.’ So I’m very thankful to Tang Wei because she’s got a tough job. I wasn’t really sure how to tell this story. It was hard. I think all the actors were struggling “

“The Golden Era” also won for cinematography, costume and makeup, and for art direction.

Financial thriller “Overheard 3” won three awards including best actor, supporting actor and screenplay.

Best actress winner Zhao Wei of “Dearest” has had success with directing and said that to be able to do both is a blessing. “I feel very lucky because both of them are something that I’m very interested in. When I get to do them both, it really helps me to improve,” Zhao said.

Best actor award winner Lau Ching Wan was asked if he would appear in a film directed by Zhao, and he was quick to say “Yes.”

“If I get a chance, let’s have some fun,” Lau said, to which she responded: “Thank you.”

“The Golden Era” and Hui have been honoured at other film award events in Asia, and it was Hong Kong’s submission to the Academy Awards foreign language film category, though it wasn’t one of the final five nominees.