et Li surprised the film world by winning the Best Actor Award at the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards on Sunday for his portrayal of a 19th century mercenary caught between love and loyalty to his brother in the costume epic The Warlords.
The kung fu star isn't the only one to break precedent with Warlords. It also earned Best Film and Best Director honors for Peter Chan who had made his reputation in the romance genre. Maybe that's why Chan made a special effort to put an impressively gritty, realistic quality to the film. His tour de force earned the film eight of 18 awards presented, including best cinematography, best art direction, best costume and best makeup design.
Chinese actress Si Qin Gao Wa and Chinese actor Jet Li hold trophies for Best Actress and the Best Actor respectively for the movies The Postmodern Life Of My Aunt and The Warlords.
(AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
The Best Actress Award went to veteran Chinese actress Siqin Gaowa for her startling portrayal of a woman in love with a con man in Postmodern Life of My Aunt. The delicious Kate Choi won Best New Performer for adding sparkle to Eye in the Sky.
Hong Kong leading man Andy Lau also went against type by winning Best Supporting Actor for playing a drug lord in Protege. The Best Supporting Actress Award went to Susan Shaw for her character role in The Pye Dog.. Ang Lee's spy thriller Lust, Caution won Best Asian Movie.
Hong Kong actress Kate Tsui holds her trophy for Best New Performer for her performance in Eye In The Sky.
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
04/12/2008 12:13 PM
By ADAM GOLDMAN Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK
Hong Kong actor Andy Lau Tak Wah holds his trophy for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Protege.
(AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
Hong Kong actresses Miki Yeung and Stephy Tang were in attendance.
(AP Photo/Kin Cheung)