(Hong Kong, 15 January 2026) The has released the list of eligible films for first-round voting at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards, covering films officially released in 2025. A total of 47 titles were included. However, four films widely regarded within the industry as meeting eligibility requirements were excluded, effectively disqualifying them and their cast and crew from nomination consideration. The omission, which surfaced between 13 and 14 January, has become a focal point of industry discussion.
The four excluded films are Valley of the Shadow of Death (不赦之罪), starring Anthony Wong and Louisa So; Today Should Be Happy (今天應該很高興), also known as Finch and Midland, featuring Anthony Wong, Patrick Tam, Maggie Lee and Cecilia So; Vital Signs (送院途中), directed by Jan Lamb and starring Louis Koo, Neo Yau and Hedwig Tam; and Mother Bhumi (地母), a Hong Kong–involved co-production directed by Malaysian filmmaker Chong Keat Aun and headlined by Fan Bingbing. All four productions were either officially released in Hong Kong during 2025 or held qualifying preview screenings that industry sources say met the Hong Kong Film Awards’ eligibility requirements.
According to industry insiders, at least some of the excluded films had appeared on internal reference lists circulated as recently as October 2025, before being removed in early January. The Association has declined to comment on media enquiries. Speculation within the sector has centred on possible funding pressures — government subvention for the Awards was cut by 14.6% in the previous year to HK$6.836 million — as well as concerns over subject matter touching on religion, social issues or migration. No official explanation has been provided.
Under Hong Kong Film Awards rules, films must complete a qualifying theatrical run or meet preview screening thresholds to be included on the eligibility list. While nominations have yet to be announced, the exclusion of the four titles means their respective films and contributors — including high-profile figures such as Anthony Wong, Louis Koo and Fan Bingbing — will not be eligible for any awards this year. The episode has renewed calls from within the industry for greater transparency in eligibility vetting and clearer communication from the Awards’ governing body.
