18 Apr – Carina Lau Kar Ling finally won Best Actress at the 30th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) yesterday and said that her one award "doesn't measure up to (husband) Tony Leung's success".
After five previous nominations without winning, the 46-year-old took the accolade clad in a white Versace V-neck and proceeded to thank director Tsui Hark and all who worked on the set of "Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame" in which she played powerful Chinese empress Wu Ze Tian.
She beat contenders Miriam Yeung, Fiona Sit, Tang Wei and Josie Ho.
Lau added: "I want to thank my mother as she had wanted me to win this award for a very long time. Also to my husband for his support and for giving me so much freedom for my work.
Lau closed by noting that her "one award does not compare to the success of Tony".
Unfortunately, her husband Tony Leung wasn't with her at the awards due to scheduling conflicts, although it was learned that he had been sending her text messages in support of her.
The Tang Dynasty drama featuring famous Chinese detective Di Ren Jie scooped six awards, including best director, best actress, best art direction, best sound design, best visual effects and best costume and make-up design – the biggest winner on the night.
Meanwhile, Best Actor went to singer-actor Nicholas Tse for his role in the gritty action-packed cop drama "Stool Pigeon", beating early favourite Chow Yun Fat in "Confucius" who played the great Chinese thinker.
Together with Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, the Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony is one of the Chinese film industry's most prestigious events.
