HK director Wong Jing draws mixed reactions after questioning Tony Leung's best actor win

Hong Kong director Wong Jing (left) is urging Tony Leung to step aside and give opportunities to younger talents. Photos: Wong Jing/Weibo, Handout

Hong Kong director Wong Jing has received mixed reactions over his comment on Tony Leung Chiu Wai's latest win at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards.

On April 14, Leung, 61, took home the best actor laurel for a record sixth time for his performance as the flamboyant con man Henry Ching in The Goldfinger.

His wife, actress Carina Lau, accepted the award on his behalf.

In her speech, Lau, 58, said: "When Tony Leung wins awards, I know many people will say it's him again, and that he should give a chance to other people. But I feel that he is really a great actor after being with him for so many years."

Following the event, Wong took to Weibo to question Leung's win, saying it was not his best performance.

"His acting (in The Goldfinger) is a bit over-the-top, much worse than his restrained performances in Lust, Caution and 2046," the 68-year-old said.

In his post, Wong also told the multiple-award-winning actor to step aside and make way for younger talents in the industry.

"If I were him, I'd follow singers Alan Tam and Leslie Cheung who said long ago that they would stop accepting awards to give opportunities to the younger generation," he added.

Some netizens agreed with Wong's comment, saying that younger talents will feel more "encouraged" when there are more opportunities.

"If old stars stop accepting awards, it will open more doors for younger talents. This serves as encouragement for them," said one netizen.

Another added: "If the younger stars lack motivation, Hong Kong's film industry won't have a bright future."

Meanwhile, others disagreed, saying that the younger generation should earn the award on their own merit instead of waiting for their seniors to "give up".

"Awards are to be earned, not given out simply. If someone wins, it's because they deserve it. If they don't, then they're not worthy. It's reasonable," said one netizen.

Another commented: "Tony doesn't need the award, the award needs him."

It's worth mentioning that despite winning best actor for the sixth time at the Hong Kong Film Awards, the last time Leung took home the accolade was 19 years ago in 2005 for his performance in the Wong Kar Wai movie 2046.

His other four best actor wins were for the films Chungking Express in 1995, Happy Together in 1998, In The Mood For Love in 2001 and Infernal Affairs in 2003.