Shu Qi Wins Best New Director at Hong Kong Film Awards for Girl

Hong Kong cinema veteran Shu Qi has made history by winning the Best New Director award at the 2026 Hong Kong Film Awards for her directorial debut, The Girl. The accolade, announced as the first prize of the ceremony on April 19, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the actress’s three-decade career and underscores her evolving role behind the camera. Shu Qi accepted the honor during a live broadcast of the awards, expressing gratitude to her cast and crew while reflecting on the personal significance of the project.

The Girl, a drama centered on intergenerational relationships and female resilience, premiered earlier in 2026 to positive critical reception, particularly for its nuanced storytelling and visual sensitivity. Industry observers noted that the film’s selection for the New Director category highlighted the awards’ recognition of emerging voices, even when brought forward by established figures transitioning into new creative roles. Shu Qi’s win places her among a small but growing number of Hong Kong actors who have successfully crossed into directing, following in the footsteps of contemporaries such as Ann Hui and Fruit Chan, who began their careers in front of the camera.

The announcement was met with widespread acknowledgment across Chinese-language media, with outlets including Sina Finance, Zhonghua Network, and Sohu News reporting on her presence at the Beijing International Film Festival just days prior, where she participated in an outdoor screening and engaged with audiences about her filmmaking experience. During that appearance, Shu Qi spoke candidly about the challenges of adapting a deeply personal story for the screen, describing the process as both “intimidating, and liberating.”

Her achievement was further highlighted by congratulatory messages from prominent figures in technology and entertainment. Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi, publicly praised Shu Qi on social media after naming her as the brand ambassador for the new SU7 electric vehicle, linking her artistic accomplishment to broader cultural influence. The collaboration underscores a growing trend of cross-industry partnerships that celebrate creative excellence beyond traditional entertainment boundaries.

While Shu Qi has long been celebrated for her performances in films such as Shanghai Grand, Millennium Mambo, and If You Are the One, her directorial debut represents a deliberate artistic evolution. The Girl was written and produced independently, with Shu Qi overseeing all stages of development from script to final cut. She has stated in previous interviews that the project was inspired by her own family experiences and a desire to explore themes rarely centered in mainstream Hong Kong cinema.

The 2026 Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony continues to recognize achievements across acting, technical craft, and film production, with winners selected by peer voting among members of the Hong Kong Film Artists Association. As the first award of the evening, Shu Qi’s win set a tone of inclusivity and creative risk-taking, reflecting the organization’s ongoing efforts to adapt to changing dynamics in Asian cinema. No further comment has been issued from Shu Qi’s representatives regarding future directing projects, though industry sources suggest she is currently developing a second feature.