Stars gather for Chinese ‘Oscars’ with HK films tipped for success
Showbiz Desk

TAIPEI—Leading Chinese movie stars gather in Taiwan Sunday for the 42nd annual Golden Horse Film Awards, considered the “Oscars” of the Chinese-language film industry, with Hong Kong tipped for a bumper year.
Best actor nominees Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung Ka-fai, from Hong Kong, along with Chang Chen and screen siren Shu Qi, both from Taiwan, head an all-star cast who will tread the red carpet at the ceremony in northern Keelung city.
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” director Ang Lee and heartthrob actor Takeshi Kaneshiro will also walk the so-called Star Boulevard as 18 gongs are handed out to the region’s best films of the year.
This year Hong Kong blockbusters are expected to eclipse Taiwanese art house films, with Hong Kong director Johnnie To’s “Election” up for 11 Golden Horses and Stephen Chow’s martial arts comedy “Kung Fu Hustle” nominated in 10 categories.