What Is 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony was held on April 6, 2003, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, honoring the best films released between January 1 and December 31, 2002. It marked the first time the awards were postponed due to the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong.

Key Facts

The 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony took place on April 6, 2003
It honored films released in 2002 between January 1 and December 31
The event was originally scheduled for March but postponed due to SARS
Infernal Affairs won Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay
Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Andy Lau both won acting awards for the same film

Overview

The 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards celebrated excellence in Chinese-language cinema, specifically focusing on films produced or released in Hong Kong during 2002. Held on April 6, 2003, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the ceremony was a landmark event due to its postponement amid public health concerns.

Originally planned for March 2003, the event was delayed to April because of the emerging SARS outbreak, marking the first time in the awards' history that scheduling was disrupted by a public health crisis. Despite the challenges, the night highlighted exceptional achievements in filmmaking, with Infernal Affairs dominating the major categories.

Infernal Affairs: Won Best Film, Best Director (Andrew Lau and Alan Mak), and Best Screenplay, solidifying its status as a modern classic.
Host: Comedian and actor Natalis Chan hosted the ceremony, bringing his signature humor to the event despite the tense atmosphere.
Best Actor:Tony Leung Chiu-wai won for his role in Infernal Affairs, portraying a complex undercover police officer.
Best Actress:Zhang Ziyi took home the award for her performance in Hero, a wuxia epic directed by Zhang Yimou.
Best Supporting Actor:Eric Tsang was recognized for his role in Infernal Affairs, adding depth to the film’s intricate narrative.

How It Works

The Hong Kong Film Awards operate through a voting system managed by the Hong Kong Film Awards Association, with members from various sectors of the film industry participating in nominations and final ballots. The process emphasizes peer recognition and artistic merit.

Eligibility Period: Films must have been released theatrically in Hong Kong between January 1 and December 31, 2002, meeting specific screening duration requirements.
Nominations: A preliminary committee selects nominees in each category, with over 150 industry professionals involved in the screening and voting process.
Voting Members: The final winners are chosen by a larger body of more than 1,000 voting members, including directors, actors, and critics.
Categories: The 22nd edition featured 19 competitive categories, including Best Film, Director, Actor, Actress, and technical awards like Editing and Cinematography.
Best New Performer:Chapman To won for his role in My Left Eye Sees Ghosts, marking a breakthrough in his career.
Special Awards: The Professional Achievement Award was presented to veteran cinematographer Arthur Wong for his decades-long contributions.

Comparison at a Glance

The 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards can be compared to other major ceremonies in terms of winners, cultural impact, and historical context:

Award Ceremony	Year	Major Winner	Key Event	Host
Hong Kong Film Awards	2003	Infernal Affairs	Postponed due to SARS	Natalis Chan
Golden Horse Awards	2002	Blue Gate Crossing	Taiwan-focused selection	None
Academy Awards	2003	Chicago	Post-9/11 themes	Steve Martin
BAFTA	2003	Gangs of New York	Scorsese’s historical epic	John Humphrys
Golden Rooster Awards	2002	Together	Chinese state recognition	N/A

This comparison shows how regional film awards reflect local industry trends and global events. The 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards stood out not only for its artistic achievements but also for its resilience during a public health emergency, distinguishing it from contemporaneous ceremonies.

Why It Matters

The 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards had lasting significance for the industry, both locally and internationally, particularly due to the global success of Infernal Affairs and its influence on Hollywood.

Cultural Impact:Infernal Affairs revitalized the Hong Kong crime genre and inspired Martin Scorsese’sThe Departed (2006), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Industry Recognition: The awards highlighted the importance of screenwriting and direction in elevating genre films to critical acclaim.
Global Reach: The success of winners like Zhang Ziyi helped expand the international visibility of Hong Kong and Chinese cinema.
Historical Context: The SARS-related delay underscored how public health crises can impact cultural events and industry operations.
Legacy of Winners: Tony Leung and Andy Lau’s performances became benchmarks for complex dual-role storytelling in Asian cinema.
Technical Excellence: The recognition of cinematography and editing emphasized Hong Kong’s high production standards despite budget constraints.

The 22nd Hong Kong Film Awards not only celebrated 2002’s cinematic achievements but also marked a turning point in how Hong Kong cinema was perceived globally, setting the stage for future cross-cultural collaborations and remakes.