The 40th TVB Anniversary is fast approaching. Awards will be given out soon, so it’s that time for the year again…





Best Actor

Personal Favorite(s): Moses Chan, Joe Ma

What a difference a year makes! Last year, I was pleading TVB not to give the Best Actor award to Joe and this year I’m actually rooting for him to win the award. Although I know Joe does not have a chance, I still root for him for the award because his performance in The Conquest was simply astounding! He transformed completely into “Fu Chai” and made the character so interesting. I really, really loved Joe’s performance – it was terrific. I have my hopes that Joe’s excellent acting in Conquest was not a “once in a lifetime” thing and that he will continue to carry it in future productions.

Should Win: Moses Chan

Will Win: Moses Chan

It’s obvious. This year is Moses’ year – and rightfully so. Moses finally makes a rebound in his acting. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve always been a fan of Moses since I first saw him back in 2001 with Family Man and Where the Legend Begins. It’s just that I felt his acting was disappointing and a bit stale in series like The Dance of Passion, War and Beauty, and Land of Wealth. Thankfully, the acting that made me a fan of Moses returned this year and I’m happy because of that. He is a very likable and charismatic actor and versatile with comedy and drama. His emotional scenes (especially his crying) improved tremendously in Heart of Greed (and later episodes of Land). Moses definitely deserves the Best Actor award.

Best Actress

Personal Favorite(s): Lee See Kei, Susanna Kwan, Sheren Tang

I don’t particularly fancy Sheren’s role or storyline in The Family Link, but I must applaud her performance. She did an extraordinary job (as always) and became such a believable housewife – embodying one wholly! Although Link did very well in ratings and was one of the top series this year, TVB again will not give Sheren the award. If War and Beauty and La Femme Desperado could not warrant Sheren a win, then nothing will. Nevertheless, I will always support Sheren.

I like Susanna even though Heart of Greed was the first series I’ve seen of hers. Her performance was terrific. She brought “Sai Kai” to life and made all of the arguing and plotting so exciting and entertaining. I look forward to seeing more of her.

Should Win: Lee See Kei

Will Win: Lee See Kei

I love Lee See Kei! She’s just awesome. She carries herself very well in her acting and possesses a very wise and maternal vibe. “Dai Kai” was the perfect role for her to comeback with. Lee See Kei executed her character’s lectures to perfection (after all, she preached for 1,000+ episodes in A Kindred Spirit) and made “Dai Kai” so lovable. Truthfully, “Dai Kai” is not much different from “Auntie Sin” (her role from Kindred). For versatility, we’ll have to wait for The Gem of Life in which she acts as a not-so-angelic mother for once.

This veteran truly shows the younger actresses how acting should be done and I believe Lee See Kei will be awarded for it. Her acting is exquisite.

Best Supporting Actor

Personal Favorite(s): Benz Hui, Power Chan, Ai Wai

Power Chan is ever-dependable in all of his supporting roles. He’s so great and versatile. Ai Wai is a fantastic veteran. I like watching him whenever he’s in a series.

Should Win: Benz Hui

Will Win: Benz Hui

Benz is an incredible veteran. Any series is lucky to have him as the strong, stable supporting actor. His performance in Dicey Business was one of the highlights of that series. I think TVB will award Benz this year for his continued and consistently good performances. He deserves it.

Best Supporting Actress

Personal Favorite(s): Florence Kwok, Mary Hon

I said this last year and I’ll say it again – it’s so good to have Florence back on the TVB screen! I’m liking her more because of A Kindred Spirit and I’m really enjoying her performance in Best Selling Secrets as Alvina Kong’s “evil” little sister (I’m only episode 66). Sadly, I don’t think Florence has any chance at all.

Should Win: Mary Hon

It seems like Mary is in every series. No matter how often I see her, her acting is always a welcoming sight. She can do comedy and drama equally well. I loved her hilarious performance in Heavenly In-Laws and her dramatic portrayals in War and Destiny, The Charm Beneath, Hard Fate, and many more. Mary embodies a great supporting actress in every aspect; she truly holds her ground and adds to every series she’s in. Give her an award!

Will Win: N/A

It’s anyone’s guess. This award is so unpredictable. Last year, everyone thought that this award was created for the older actresses, but unexpectedly, Shirley Yeung won it instead. Therefore, I don’t know who will get it.

Most Improved Actor

Personal Favorite(s): Stephen Wong, Wong Cho Lam

I am surprised that Wong Cho Lam was nominated. In any case, I like him. He has a real knack for comedy. He provided a lot of laughter in Heavenly In-Laws and is a delight in Best Selling Secrets. I look forward to seeing more of him.

Should Win: Stephen Wong

I like Stephen and saw potential in him beginning with Shine On You (in which he had a rather “big” role as one of the students). I’m very happy to see continued improvements from him throughout the years and it shows a lot in this year’s releases. Although his acting still needs quite a bit of polishing, I think he’s quite okay. I was impressed with his performance in The Brink of Law. Unfortunately, his status at TVB isn’t enough to win him an award sadly.

Will Win: Lai Lok Yi

Lai Lok Yi has had five series released this year with meaty roles in all five. Add in the fact that he has been with TVB for quite some time and has a part in red hot series Heart of Greed more than “warrants” his win. As should be clear from my previous posts on him, I really do not like him and fail to see improvements. After finishing The Green Grass of Home, I still remain unimpressed and find that he acts the same. I will be very surprised if Lai Lok Yi doesn’t win.

Most Improved Actress

Personal Favorite(s): Bernice Liu

Should Win: Bernice Liu

Will Win: Bernice Liu

Bernice has been a “hot favorite” to win the Most Improved Actress award since 2002. However, year after year, she fails to succeed. Six years after she made her debut as the beloved “Princess” from the long-running classic Virtues of Harmony, Bernice finally stands a very, very good chance at winning the award. I think 2007 is her year for the award. Her popularity has soared to new heights this year and her custom-made role in Steps has made her very hot. I’ve been unimpressed with Bernice after Love Bond and my fondness towards her has declined. I think she has improved a lot from the beginning, but after so many years, I think her acting is still not up-to-par and she lacks versatility. However, that doesn’t really matter. Some actresses succeed because of charm and personality alone – Bernice is that. Plus, the fact that she’s very, very attractive makes up on-screen for what she lacks in acting. With all of that being said, I still like Bernice and think she deserves the award this year.

Most Favorite Male Character

Personal Favorite(s): Joe Ma – Fu Chai, Moses Chan – Tong Chi On (Dak Dak Dei), Raymond Lam – Ching Leung (Alfred), Sunny Chan – Choi Ka Sing

“Fu Chai” is supposedly the “antagonist” in The Conquest, but I favor this character so much. The audience was able to sympathize with him because we saw pass his facade of “power” and “ruthlessness” – we got to see his vulnerability and fears. I felt for “Fu Chai”‘s woes and when he committed suicide, I mourned for his death and losses. The character was just exquisitely well-written and acted.

“Dak Dak Dei” is an all-around likable, good guy. He stands by “Seung Joi Sum” and helps her through it all. He gives himself up unconditionally for others. He’s caring and kind-hearted. Not only that, but he has a sense of humor as well and will cheer anyone up. Who can hate him?

Sunny should have been nominated for his wonderful role in War and Destiny instead (he was the saving soul of that series). His character was truly great in that series – very well-written and acted. I’ve been seeing a lot of Sunny after War and I’m growing fonder of him. In fact, I like him now. I think his acting is fine. I liked him in The Green Grass of Home. It was nice how we learned how his character grew to become what he was. The back story was interesting and Sunny played the character well. I’m disappointed that TVB keeps on giving him these “dumb” roles. Sunny deserves some recognition for his hard work.

Should Win: Raymond Lam – Ching Leung (Alfred)

Raymond gave a brilliant performance as “Alfred”. His death scene was exceptionally acted. At first, I disliked the character, but he grows and learns so much as the series progresses (after “Seung Joi Sum” and “Alfred” break up for the final time)! I loved his Days Without Seung Joi Sum journal – it was so touching. In the end, “Alfred” is a good guy and truly redeems himself. He cheated and made a big mistake, but who doesn’t commit sins? What matters is that he learned and grew from the experience. By nature, he’s smart and likable and I really like the character.

Will Win: N/A

It’s a toss-up between “Dak Dak Dei” and “Alfred”.

The reason I pick “Alfred” over “Dak Dak Dei” is because I think “Alfred” is realistic and relatable. “Dak Dak Dei” is too fictional and unbelievable (even though I like him).

Most Favorite Female Character

Personal Favorite(s): Esther Kwan – Wong Ka Lam, Lee See Kei – Ling Hau (Dai Kai), Linda Chung – Seung Joi Sum, Tavia Yeung – Tam Chu Mei, Susanna Kwan – Wong Sau Kam (Sai Kai)

“Seung Joi Sum”, “Seung Joi Sum”… I just love that name! Not only is it cute, but it’s a memorable name. Although “Seung Joi Sum” has her moments where she can be annoying, as a whole, the female protagonist of Heart of Greed is hard to dislike. As is the case with “Alfred”, she grows a lot after they break up. She matures into an independent, confident, smart, and strong woman. It’s a nice ride watching her transformation and Linda plays the role quite well. Her character and relationships are all so touching, memorable, and well-written. “Seung Joi Sum” was made for Linda to act and is her breakthrough and “most improved” role. It’s too bad she couldn’t win the Most Improved Actress award for this role this year instead of last. People would definitely root and support her win if that were the case. Oh well… what’s done is done.

Tavia’s “Tam Chu Mei” was a highlight from Dicey Business for me. Her hilarious character and great performance (and wonderful storyline/chemistry with Bosco Wong) was one of the few things I liked about Dicey. Her character was ditzy and selfish, but funny and entertaining to watch.

Should Win: Esther Kwan – Wong Ka Lam

Esther is the reason to watch Best Selling Secrets. I’ve said it many times in the past and I’ll say it again – she is the life for that sitcom. Without her, I wouldn’t even bother and I believe ratings will be even lower. I love her character! “Wong Ka Lam” is smart, funny, cool, and lovable. She plays the character deliciously well and it is a great “comeback” role. I really, really want Esther to win this award. Sadly, Secrets‘ poor reception makes that pretty much impossible.

Will Win: N/A

Someone in Heart of Greed will win the award – that I’m sure of. Lee See Kei may win both Best Actress and this award or TVB may choose to be “fair” and give this to Susanna. Although an antagonist, ironically, “Sai Kai” still stands a good chance at winning. I guess you can say she’s the villain the audience loves to hate. Linda’s “Seung Joi Sum” is a dark horse for this award.

Best Series

Personal Favorite(s): Heart of Greed, The Conquest

The Conquest was intelligently-scripted and brilliantly structured with breath-taking cinematography and captivating performances. It definitely brought history from thousands of years ago to life in modern days. The series lagged and was rather uninteresting in the middle parts, but as a whole, I liked it a lot.

Should Win: Heart of Greed

Will Win: Heart of Greed

Last year, La Femme Desperado was the clear winner from the start and this year, Heart of Greed is the same way. There is no other winner for Best Series other than Heart. The publicity, exposure, hype, and discussion of this series exceeds all other. Heart is engaging, exciting, and well-scripted. As the name suggests, it has “heart” and I believe that is why it touched so many people. Although the script was nothing new and not very compelling, it was still an excellent and entertaining series. I think Heart will be the only series that the audience will remember from 2007 in future years – validating its status as a classic and a win for Best Series.

Your thoughts: Who do you think will win? Who are your favorites? Who do you support? Or are the TVB anniversary awards so corrupt that you could care less about it?