Radiant Zhang Ziyi grins and bears it

It's a showdown of designer gowns as the industry's famous faces turn out in their finest

She has been savaged by the media for her Beijing accent and frumpy outfits, but Zhang Ziyi shrugged off the vicious headlines and turned up looking radiant in black at last night's Hong Kong Film Awards.

Movie stars of all generations were out in force at the Coliseum, with many appearing to be more concerned about who was looking the best rather than lifting the prizes.

Taiwanese veteran singer Cai Qin, who made herself a household name again with her song featured in Infernal Affairs, wore a bright red short-sleeved V-neck dress. While delighted to be attending the awards, she said it was also a very nervous time.

'It's very stressful to come to Hong Kong because the media likes to compare what you wear with other stars,' Cai said.

Heavily pregnant Sandra Ng Kwan-yu, who gave up her sexy stilettos for a pair of golden ballet flats, even skipped meals for the sake of looking good in her beige designer dress.

Other stars showing off their gowns included Li Bingbing, who came in with a beige Chanel gown and Miriam Yeung Chin-wah in a Valentino black gown with white chiffon sleeves.

Carina Lau Ka-ling was as glamorous as ever, while young singer/actress Fiona Sit Hoi-kei wore a racier black-and-white low-cut one-piece revealing her legs. Karen Mok Man-wai, hand in hand with boyfriend director Stephen Fung Tak-lun, was dressed in a gold outfit, also designed to make the best display of her famous legs.

The men were also fighting for media attention. Anthony Wong Chau-sang, in the running for best supporting actor for his role in Initial D, opted for a 'Brokeback' cowboy look.

Simon Yam Tat-wah, contender in the best actor category, wore a white jacket by Christian Dior. Singer-turned-actor Ronald Cheng Chung-kei had outfits sponsored by Marc Jacobs.

But veteran actress Fung Bo-bo turned out to be the media's favourite. Accompanied by five guys in Men in Black style suits, she had dyed part of her fringe white to contrast with her black military outfit.

The big winners

Best Film Election

Best Director

Johnnie To Kei-fung (Election)

Best Actor

Tony Leung Ka-fai (Election)

Best Actress

Zhou Xun (Perhaps Love)

Best Supporting Actor

Anthony Wong Chau-sang (Initial D)

Best Supporting Actress

Teresa Mo Sun-kwan (2 Young)

Best New Performer

Jay Chou (Initial D)

Best New Director

Kenneth Bi Kwok-chi (Rice Rhapsody)