He added: “This award shows that Hong Kong actually has hope. This award tells us that we need to keep working hard. Thanks to all the Hong Kong viewers. This award belongs to you all.”

Choi responded calmly when asked about the mainland’s ban on Ten Years.

“Our film is for Hongkongers,” he said. “There are places where the film is welcome and places where it’s not.”

Mainland media made no mention of the film’s victory in its coverage of the annual awards.

Port of Call’s writer and director Philip Yung Tsz-kwong picked up best screenplay for the story based on a 2008 murder case of a local 16-year-old female prostitute.

Clutching one of his two trophies of the night, Yung said: “It’s not that my script was good, but you guys acted well.”

Aaron Kwok Fu-shing led a host of acting trophies for the true crime thriller, winning best actor, his first Hong Kong Film Awards win after five nominations.

Accepting his award, Kwok said he never thought he’d win. “I didn’t even really prepare before going on stage,” said the 50-year-old Hong Kong native. “To get this today is a huge source of encouragement.”

Unheralded Jessie Li, 23, joined in Port of Call’s march to victory earning best actress for her turn as the troubled protagonist.

Michael Ning won both best supporting actor and best new performer for his performance in Port of Call, which was named best picture by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society last year.

After giving thanks to the judges and his colleagues as he picked up the best supporting actor award, Ning addressed his father. “I love you,” he said. “Thank you for your love, which is not too much or too little.”

World-renowned cinematographer Christopher Doyle last night won at the Hong Kong Film Awards for the seventh time, for his work on Port of Call .

‘Ten Years’ film is absurd and too pessimistic, says Global Times

Tsui Hark took best director for historical drama The Taking of Tiger Mountain. It was Tsui’s third time taking the honour.

For the first time, the awards show was not broadcast live for mainland audiences following news that the controversial hit Ten Years had been nominated.

The film grabbed headlines after Communist Party mouthpiece Global Times slammed it for being “absurd” and “pessimistic.”

Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s martial arts epic The Assassin won best film from the mainland and Taiwan.

The Ten Years fall-out continues: Hong Kong Film Awards will not be televised in China

Taiwan-born Elaine Jin Yan-ling , 61, won best supporting actress for her performance in Port Of Call. Jin won the same awards in Love Unto Wastes (1986) and People’s Hero (1987).

A tearful Jin said she was grateful to her colleagues for giving her opportunities in the city.

Jin referred to Hong Kong as the first place where she could find a job. “I didn’t act in too many films after I returned here but I was really lucky,” she said.

Full list of winners from the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards

Best Film

Ten Years

Best Director

Tsui Hark (The Taking Of Tiger Mountain)

Best Screenplay

Philip Yung Tsz-kwong (Port Of Call)

Best Actor

Aaron Kwok (Port Of Call)

Best Actress

Jessie Li (Port Of Call)

Best Supporting Actor

Michael Ning (Port Of Call)

Best Supporting Actress

Elaine Jin Yan-ling (Port Of Call)

Best New Performer

Michael Ning (Port Of Call)

Best Cinematography

Christopher Doyle (Port Of Call)

Best Film Editing

Cheung Ka Fai (Ip Man 3)

Best Art Direction

William Chang Suk Ping, Yau Wai-ming (Office)

Best Costume & Make Up Design

Yee Chung-man (Monster Hunt)

Best Action Choreography

Li Chung-chi (SPL 2 : A Time For Consequences)

Best Original Film Score

Dayu Lo, Chan Fai-young (Office)

Best Original Film Song

We Almost Fly (She Remembers, He Forgets)

Composed by Day Tai

Lyric by Saville Chan

Sung by Feanna Wong

Best Sound Design

Kinson Tsang, George Lee Yiu-keung, Yiu Chun-hin (The Taking Of Tiger Mountain)

Best Visual Effects

Jason Snell, Ellen Poon, Tang Bingbing (Monster Hunt)

Best New Director

Raman Hui Shing-ngai (Monster Hunt)

Best Film From Mainland And Taiwan

The Assassin

Raman Hui Shing-ngai secured the honour of best new director for Monster Hunt, a 3D fantasy action comedy adventure. The Hong Kong-born animator was previously known for his contributions to the Shrek series.

Veteran 92-year-old actress Li Lihua, whose movie career launched in 1940 at the age of 16, received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.