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| At 68, Tony Leung Ka-fai Still Running the Show as Hong Kong Cinema Salutes a Living Legend. (Credits: VIU TV) |
Tony Leung Ka-fai has done it again. At 68, the veteran star claimed Best Actor at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards for his performance in The Shadow’s Edge, proving once more that class does not expire. While newer names chase trends and headlines, Leung simply walked on stage, collected another trophy, and reminded the room what proper screen presence looks like.
Opening his acceptance speech with a cheerful “OK, very good!”, the actor instantly lifted the atmosphere and drew laughter across the venue. It was classic Leung: relaxed, witty, and fully aware that after decades in cinema, he no longer needs dramatic gestures to own a room. Some stars arrive loudly. Others just arrive and win.
He then pointed out that this year’s awards ceremony marks the 44th edition of the event, while also matching his 44th year in the Hong Kong film industry.
For Leung, that made the nomination meaningful regardless of the result. He said simply that being recognised at this stage of his career was already a lifelong honour. It was the sort of grounded speech that lands harder than flashy slogans ever could.
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| Hong Kong Film Awards 2026: Tony Leung Ka-fai Makes History with Fifth Best Actor Victory |
The emotional moment came when he thanked the cast, crew, management team and, most of all, his family. Fighting back tears, he praised his wife for putting up with him for 44 years, joking that she deserved special thanks for surviving the experience.
The audience laughed, but there was warmth behind it. It was funny, heartfelt, and delivered with the timing only a seasoned actor could manage.
This latest win gives Tony Leung Ka-fai his fifth Best Actor trophy at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Only Tony Leung Chiu-wai remains ahead with six, which means the battle of Hong Kong cinema’s two most famous Tony Leungs continues.
For years, people have mixed up the names. Awards history, however, knows exactly who is who.
What makes Leung Ka-fai’s record even more remarkable is the spread of his victories. From Reign Behind the Curtain in the 1980s to 92 Legendary La Rose Noire, then later acclaimed turns in Election, Cold War, and now The Shadow’s Edge, he has stayed relevant across multiple generations. Many actors survive one era. Leung has conquered several.
Industry watchers often praise his versatility, and fairly so. He can play comedy with sharp timing, drama with depth, and villains with the sort of calm menace that makes audiences uneasy. Few performers move between genres so naturally. Even fewer make it look effortless.
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| Tony Leung Ka-fai Secures Fifth Best Actor Title at Hong Kong Film Awards |
The wider ceremony also had plenty to talk about. Goodbye UFO won Best Film and Best Director, while Sons of the Neon Mountain swept up eight awards, making it the night’s biggest overall winner.
Yet despite all that success elsewhere, the moment many will remember most is still Leung walking to the stage like it was just another day at the office.
Many fans called the result overdue recognition for one of Hong Kong cinema’s most reliable stars. Others joked that younger actors must be wondering when legends plan to retire.
Some praised his speech for being warm and genuine, while others said his fifth win only confirms what audiences already knew years ago. A few even revived the eternal question: which Tony Leung is your favourite? Dangerous debate, that one.
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| TVB |
There was also buzz around presenter Nicholas Tse, who hinted he may soon return to filming in Hong Kong. But even that side story struggled to compete with Leung’s big moment. When a screen giant collects trophy number five, most other headlines naturally move aside.
For many viewers, this victory was about more than one performance. It was recognition of endurance, craft, and the rare ability to remain compelling decade after decade. In an industry obsessed with what is next, Tony Leung Ka-fai just reminded everyone not to forget who built the standard in the first place.
Do you think this was his finest award-winning performance yet, or is there another Tony Leung Ka-fai classic that deserved even more love? And can anyone catch the legends still standing at the top?