The prestigious Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) is facing intense scrutiny after four eligible films were inexplicably omitted from the official contenders list for its 44th edition. The move has baffled the local film industry, as organisers provided no reason for the exclusions.
Unexplained Omissions Defy Awards Protocol
According to a report by the Hong Kong Free Press, the provisional list released on 13 January 2026 was missing four titles: Valley of the Shadow of Death, Finch & Midland, Vital Signs, and Mother Bhumi. All had commercial releases in Hong Kong in 2025 and met the strict eligibility criteria.
The HKFA's by-laws clearly state that any Hong Kong film released commercially between 1 January and 31 December, with at least five screenings over seven consecutive days, automatically qualifies for consideration. Filmmakers do not need to submit their work, nor can they withdraw it.
An eligible voter, with over a decade of industry experience, told the Hong Kong Free Press they had "never encountered such a situation". They confirmed the awards admit films based solely on eligibility, not submissions, meaning all four films should have been contenders.
Internal Confusion and Political Undertones
The mystery deepened with reports from Yahoo News Hong Kong. Internal HKFA meetings had reportedly not discussed removing any films. Furthermore, a reference list sent to committee members in October 2025 included at least two of the affected titles, and screeners were later provided to voters.
The omissions have drawn attention to the films' casts. Valley of the Shadow of Death and Finch & Midland both star veteran actor Anthony Wong, who publicly supported the 2014 pro-democracy umbrella movement. Vital Signs features Neo Yau, previously involved in a political satire group that mocked the Hong Kong government.
Mother Bhumi, a Malaysian-Hong Kong co-production, stars mainland Chinese actor Fan Bingbing. She largely vanished from China's entertainment industry after a 2018 tax evasion scandal and has since focused on international projects.
Category Removal and Broader Context
Alongside the film omissions, the Best Asian Chinese-Language Film category, which recognises Chinese-language films made outside Hong Kong, appears to have been removed. This category had been won by Taiwanese films for the previous two years.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of Hong Kong's cultural sector. In December 2025, authorities banned the public screening of Kiwi Chow's film Deadline, claiming it could be "detrimental to national security".
Founded in 1982, the HKFA is the territory's most prominent film awards body. Nominees and winners are selected by film professionals, critics, academics, and a professional jury. Voting for this year's awards ends on 23 January, with the ceremony typically held in April, though a 2026 date is yet to be announced. The Independent has contacted the HKFA for comment.
