Golden Horse Awarding Ceremony, Taiwan (Click on the pics to enlarge)

"Kung Fu Hustle" wins at the Golden Horse

    BEIJING, Nov. 14 -- Martial arts comedy "Kung Fu Hustle" won the best film title at the Chinese-language version of the Oscars on Sunday, becoming the biggest winner at the Golden Horse ceremony in Taiwan.

    

File photo of Hong Kong actor-director Stephen Chow poses during the premiere of 'Kung Fu Hustle' at the Arclight Cinerama Dome theatre in Hollywood. The martial arts comedy won the best film title at the Chinese-language version of the Oscars on Sunday, becoming the biggest winner at the Golden Horse ceremony in Taiwan. [Reuters]

Taiwan has played host to the Golden Horse awards, which showcase Chinese-language films, for 42 years, but contestants from Hong Kong and China have stolen the spotlight in recent years as Taiwan's renowned art films lost their appeal.

    A raucous tale set in 1930s China about a hapless gangster's attempt to prove himself deadly, "Kung Fu Hustle" bagged five awards, including best director for Hong Kong's superstar actor-turned-director Stephen Chow. It was nominated in 10 categories.

    The US-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.

    But "Election," which was this year's most nominated film, won just two awards -- best original screenplay and best sound effects. The Hong Kong gangster tale was directed by last year's Golden Horse best director Johnnie To.

    Underscoring a decline in the island's once-thriving movie industry, Taiwan movies failed to win major awards.

    Critics say Taiwan's slow-moving art films -- once loved at international film festivals -- have lost support at home as viewers find them difficult to understand and opt instead for action.

    Actress Shu Qi took one of top prizes for Taiwan for her leading role in "Three Times," featuring three stories set in three different times but using the same actors by arthouse director Hou Hsiao-hsien.

    "I hope we can do better with the Chinese-language films in the Chinese-speaking world, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland, so that foreign films will not take over the entire market," said Hou, who received a special mention as the best filmmaker in Taiwan.

    The title of best actor went to Hong Kong pop singer and first time Golden Horse nominee Aaron Kwok for his role in "Divergence."

    "For me, winning this award means a new beginning," Kwok said in the northern city of Keelung, where the glittering ceremony was held this year.

    Best supporting actress went to Yuen Qiu for her role in "Kung Fu Hustle," while Anthony Wong bagged the best supporting actor for his role in "Initial D." Both were from Hong Kong.

    Taiwan pop star Jay Chou was awarded best new performer for starring in "Initial D," his first movie.

(Source: China Daily/Reuters)