HONG KONG FILM AWARDS

The Hong Kong Film Awards took place last night and Johnnie To had to rent a truck to haul his statues while Tsui Hark (nominated for 11 awards) went home with nothing. To's ELECTION won "Best Film", "Best Director", "Best Screenplay" and "Best Actor" for Tony Leung Kar-fai. Tony and Johnnie both chose to skip the ceremony however: Johnnie To was shooting and Tony Leung was in a play, LOVE IN A FALLEN CITY, although he did thank the presenters in a live video link. Of course, he also fell during his live broadcast, but that's entertainment.

Jay Chou took "Best New Performer" for INITIAL D, while Anthony Wong won "Best Supporting Actor" for the same film. Kenneth Bi won "Best New Director" for RICE RHAPSODY and "Best Actress" went to Zhou Xun for PERHAPS LOVE who, having an unerring sense of showmanship, cried when she gave her acceptance speech.

More "adults only" coverage of the ceremony over on Variety where there is much talk of films "beating off" other films.