Vincent Wong, Natalie Tong main winners
HONG KONG: A deflated-looking Kenneth Ma summed up the evening’s proceedings as Vincent Wong was crowned as TVB’s Best Actor, with the Best Actress title going to Natalie Tong.
For Vincent, it was a triumph against formidable odds, because when he started out at TVB, he had less than HK$100 in his account.
Also in the limelight were Joel Chan (Best Supporting Actor) and Rebecca Zhu (Best Supporting Actress) in a tight race to the finish line, with the media pundits naming different favourites in the weeks leading to the awards ceremony on Sunday.
It was a rare triumph for tenyear veteran Vincent, who had won the same title at Singapore’s Starhub TVB Awards last October.
Vincent shed tears as he recalled: “When my bank savings was only in the double digits, TVB8 invited me to host a music variety show. That gave me the start I needed. Thanks to my family in giving me so much love under different circumstances. No matter how physically tired I am, you give me a safe haven to come back to so I can focus on my work.”
Natalie Tong, 36, won for her stunning performance in My Unfair Lady, ahead of co-star Jessica Hsuan, who had been hotly-tipped to win.
But doubts have been cast over Natalie’s win after the media reported that she had just signed
When my bank savings was only in the double digits, TVB8 invited me to host a music variety show. That gave me the start I needed. Thanks to my family in giving me so much love under different circumstances. No matter how physically tired I am, you give me a safe haven to come back to so I can focus on my work. Vincent Wong, Best Actor
a new contract with TVB in exchange for the title.
On stage, an equally emotional Natalie said: “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to thank you while on stage. (Former Best Actress Miriam Yeung) is a person I really like; she gives me acting guidance and always listens to my problems.”
In an eulogy to her late mother, Natalie said: “Although my mom is no longer here, I’ve been thinking of you all the time. I remembered what you taught me before. I know I’m not perfect, but I’ve always tried my best in acting out different roles.”
Joel Chan has bounced back after getting into a controversial relationship with heiress Florinda Ho. Seven years ago, that scandal nearly ruined his career.
Last year, Joel excelled in three dramas: May Fortune Shine on You, Burning Hands and The Unholy Alliance. Accepting his award on stage, Joel thanked TVB and everyone for their support.
After a brief tribute to his late father, he said humbly, “This moment marks another step forward in my lifelong marathon.”
Rebecca, who was Miss Hong Kong 2011, had appeared in a number of TVB dramas. Recently, she was promoted to the role of lead actress in the upcoming series The Stunt.
Exclaimed a surprised Rebecca: “I didn’t think I would get an award! I started from nothing! When I joined the Miss Hong Kong Pageant, I didn’t know one single Cantonese word.”
She singled out TVB executive Catherine Tsang for praise.
Sadi Rebecca: “Thank you for calling me and expressing your concern, and telling me how to enunciate clearly and pointing out the problems in my acting.” After an awkward pause, she added, “Hope the children who grew up in Mainland China and came to Hong Kong can find success here.”
Kenneth Ma posed the strongest challenge to Vincent, but ended up only with the consolation My Favourite Male Character title.
Said a disappointed-looking Kenneth: “I didn’t think I would get an award. Thanks to the producer of The Exorcist’s Meter. I said that it’s hard to come across a good script in a lifetime and The Exorcist’s Meter was definitely one of them. I don’t know what to say. Although TVB told me that I can’t thank a particular person,
many female artistes ignored the notice (to dress conservatively), so I won’t hold back either! Thank you Miss Virginia Lok (TVB executive) for treating me so well although I don’t always listen to you.
“You’ve been scolding me in the 17 years that I’ve been here. Thank you to the cast and crew of The Exorcist Meter and everyone at TVB!”