|
Taiwan unveils nominees for Chinese Oscars
2005-10-18
Hong Kong actor-director Stephen Chow celebrates with his Best Film award for his role in 'Kung Fu Hustle' at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards, in Hong Kong March 27, 2005. |
|
TAIPEI - "Kung Fu Hustle", a martial arts comedy directed by Hong Kong's Stephen Chow, was nominated on Tuesday for 10 Golden Horse awards at the Chinese-language version of the Oscars in November.A raucous tale set in 1930s China about a hapless gangster's attempt to prove himself deadly, "Kung Fu Hustle" will compete with award-winning Taiwan arthouse films for best feature film, best director, best supporting actor and best supporting actress. The U.S-financed hit earned six Hong Kong Film Awards -- including best picture -- earlier this year, set a box office record in Hong Kong for a Chinese-language film and racked up millions of dollars at overseas box offices. Winners of the Golden Horse awards, which showcases films from Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, will be announced on Nov. 13. The organisers said other candidates vying for the best film title included renowed Taiwan director Tsai Ming-liang's "The Wayward Cloud" and Hou Hsiao Hsien's "Three Times", as well as "Election" by Hong Kong's Johnnie To and "A World Without Thieves" from China. "Election" topped the list with 11 nominations, including for best make up and best sound effects. "The Wayward Cloud", about a male porn star torn between a colleague and his girlfriend, won a Silver Bear for outstanding artistic contribution at the Berlin International Film Festival in February. The controversial film pushed the limits of Taiwan's censors and audience with sexually explicit scenes featuring full-frontal nudity and oral sex. Hou's "Three Times", featuring three stories set in three different times but using the same actors, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival but did not win major awards. Hong Kong actor Tony Ka Fai Leung was nominated for his role in "Election" against Taiwan's Chang Chen, who starred in "Three Times", Chen Khen in "A West Lake Moment" and Hong Kong pop singer Aaron Kwok in "Divergence". The title of best leading actress will be fought between Chen Shiang Chyi in the "The Wayward Cloud", Shu Qi in "Three Times", Miriam Yeung in "Drink, Drink, Drink" and Michelle Krusiec in "Saving Face". Taiwan has played host to the Golden Horse Awards for 42 years, but contestants from Hong Kong and China have stolen the spotlight in recent years as Taiwan's once-thriving movie industry is in decline. Last year, "Kekexili", a bleak portrayal of life on a Tibetan plateau, became the first entry from China to bag the top best film trophy at the Golden Horse. Reuters
Taiwan filmmakers sees hope from Ang Lee's success (2006-02-11)"Kung Fu Hustle" wins at Chinese Oscars (2005-11-14)Taiwan unveils nominees for Chinese Oscars (2005-10-18)Credits roll on Cannes where the reviews are mixed (2005-05-22)Hong Kong Film Awards to Honor Century (2004-12-23)
| 
