[Hong Kong Film Awards 2026] Sons of the Neon Night earns 12 nominations, with Louis Koo shortlisted for Best Actor with two films.

(Hong Kong, Feb 10) — The 44th Hong Kong Film Awards announced its nomination list today, with last year’s Best Actress winner Michelle Wai and MIRROR member Edan Lui presenting nominees across 18 award categories.

Among all nominated films, Sons of the Neon Night leads the field with 12 nominations. Director Juno Mak received nominations for Best Film and Best Art Direction, while also being shortlisted again for Best New Director. Back to the Past and Ciao, UFO also secured more than 10 nominations each.

In the acting categories, Louis Koo earned two Best Actor nominations for Behind the Shadows and Back to the Past, making him one of the most talked-about contenders this year. Meanwhile, Shu Qi achieved a major milestone with her directorial debut Girl, receiving nominations for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best New Director.

At the press conference, Wai became emotional while reading out the Best Actor nominees after seeing her close friend Carlos Chan earn his first-ever nomination for Someone Like Me.

HKFA chairman Derek Yee said the association now comprises 17 member bodies and over 2,500 individual and corporate members, while declining to comment publicly on recent eligibility controversies.