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| Shu Qi Becomes the ‘Oldest Newcomer’ as She Wins Best New Director at 44th Hong Kong Film Awards. (Credits: TVB) |
Shu Qi has pulled off one of the night’s most talked-about moments at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards, winning Best New Director for her directorial debut Girl. After nearly three decades in cinema, the international star walked on stage to collect a newcomer prize again — proof that in film, timing can be as dramatic as any screenplay.
The victory instantly became one of the ceremony’s sharpest talking points. Not because Shu Qi is unknown, far from it, but because few performers with a career this established return to the starting line and still look completely at home there. It was a reminder that reinvention often matters more than reputation.
During her acceptance speech, Shu Qi leaned into the irony with dry humour, calling herself the “oldest new director”.
She joked that what helped her beat the other newcomers was not magic or luck, but the rather useful advantage of having 30 years of experience.
It was witty, self-aware and delivered with the ease of someone who has spent years understanding how audiences listen.
She also reflected on her long relationship with the Hong Kong film industry. Nearly 30 years ago, she stood on the same stage receiving honours as a newcomer performer and supporting actress.
Now she has returned under a different title, proving careers do not always move in straight lines. Sometimes they circle back with better lighting.
The win was also significant because Girl was not treated as a vanity project from a famous actor trying something new for fun.
The film earned serious respect, landing nominations beyond the newcomer category, including Best Director and Best Screenplay. That suggests industry voters saw genuine craft behind the camera, not just celebrity branding.
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| Shu Qi Makes History With Best New Director Win at Hong Kong Film Awards |
For many viewers, Shu Qi’s success represents a wider shift in Asian cinema, where established stars are increasingly stepping into writing, producing and directing roles with stronger creative control. Rather than fading into nostalgia tours, some are choosing second acts that look even more ambitious than the first.
Online reaction was lively and predictably divided. Many fans praised her intelligence, discipline and willingness to start over in public.
Others called her speech the funniest moment of the night, saying only Shu Qi could turn a newcomer trophy into a punchline. Some netizens joked that if this is what counts as a beginner, younger filmmakers may need to ask for extra time.
There was also admiration for how naturally she handled the moment. Social media users noted that many stars speak about passion, but Shu Qi continues to prove it through action. Instead of simply talking about cinema, she changed lanes and made a film.
The awards night itself was packed with major headlines. Tony Leung Ka-fai won Best Actor for the fifth time, extending one of Hong Kong cinema’s great legacies.
Meanwhile, other top honours highlighted both veteran excellence and fresh names, reinforcing the industry’s current mix of heritage and renewal.
That blend may be the real story of the evening. Hong Kong cinema has long thrived when experience meets experimentation, and Shu Qi’s win captured exactly that balance.
She arrived as a newcomer carrying decades of scars, lessons and timing — which, frankly, sounds like the most dangerous type of newcomer possible.
For Shu Qi, the message was clear: love for film has not faded, only evolved. She said curiosity and passion remain essential for creators, and her own career now stands as evidence. First she conquered the screen, now she is reshaping stories from behind the lens.
Whether Girl becomes the first chapter of a major directing career remains to be seen, but this victory has already changed the conversation around her. Is Shu Qi entering an even stronger second era? And which star should try directing next?