Hong Kong’s Oscar Entry Withdrawn Due to Voting Controversy

In a recent turn of events, the film “A Light Never Goes Out,” originally selected as Hong Kong’s entry for the best international feature at the Academy Awards, has been pulled from the competition. The decision follows a controversy involving the film’s own actor, Simon Yam Tat-wah, who inadvertently participated in the voting process, leading to its disqualification.

The Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong, responsible for the selection, announced the film’s withdrawal after being notified by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “A Light Never Goes Out” had garnered significant support from the selection committee, surpassing its runner-up in votes. However, given the circumstances, Hong Kong has chosen not to submit any alternative entry for this year’s Oscars.

Veteran actor Simon Yam, known for his role as a skilled neon sign craftsman in the film, publicly apologized for his role in the incident. His unintended participation in the voting process contradicted the guidelines set by the Academy, thus invalidating the film’s nomination. Yam expressed his deep regret for the oversight and apologized to the film’s crew, the Federation, and film enthusiasts.

Saville Chan, the producer of “A Light Never Goes Out,” also addressed the issue, emphasizing the significance of a Hong Kong film being considered for the prestigious Academy Awards. Chan expressed hope for clearer rules and better understanding in the future to avoid similar misunderstandings.

The withdrawal of “A Light Never Goes Out” from the Oscars race is a setback for Hong Kong’s film industry, which often sees its Oscar entries as a platform for international recognition. The incident highlights the need for stricter adherence to the selection process rules to maintain the integrity and fairness of the competition.

This development serves as a learning experience for the Hong Kong film community, underlining the importance of compliance with international award protocols. While “A Light Never Goes Out” will not be competing at the Oscars, the incident has sparked discussions on the procedures and transparency in the selection of films for global recognition.

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