According to HK01, the selection committee examined the films issued between October 2024 and September 2025, with The last dance receive the greatest number of votes. Directed by Anselm Chan, the film was previewed in November 2024 and Dayo Wong, Michael Hui, Michelle Wai and Chu Pak-Hong.
The story follows Dominic Ngai (played by Dayo Wong), a wedding planner who, during the pandemic and economic recession, is forced to move careers in the funeral service sector. Not familiar with the Taoist funeral rituals, he learns from the master of priest “Hello” Man (Michael Hui), specialized in the rite of “Break Hell’s Gate” understood to free spirits for transcendence. Although initially they clash due to different beliefs, the two in the end reconciles and develop mutual respect through shared difficulties.
By exploring traditional funeral culture, the film deepens profound reflections on life and death. Variety praised The last dance For his representation of the research of humanity of meaning between the loss and has highlighted his new interpretation of the figure of the Taoist priest once popular in the horror-commedia genre of the 80s of Hong Kong.
Director Anselm Chan expressed gratitude, affirming: “Being selected as the presentation of Hong Kong’s Oscar is a huge honor. I thank the film industry and the public for their support”.
From its release, the film shattered the box office records. Within 25 days, he collected over 100 million HKDs (almost 13 million dollars), exceeding Twilight of the Warriors: Walled in As a local film with the largest collection of Hong Kong of 2024. By December 2024, he had earned over 130 million HKDs (16.7 million USD), overtaking The lawyer Become the Chinese film in the language with the greatest collection in Hong Kong.
At 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, The last dance He won five main trophies, including the best script, the best actress, the best supporting actor, the best original soundtrack and the best song of original cinema.
While Hong Kong has often presented Oscar films since 1959, nobody has achieved a victory. Remarkable nominated past include Lift the red lantern (1991), Goodbye my concubine (1993) e Better days (2020). Wong Kar-Wai’s The Grand Master It was selected in 2013.
The 98th Academy Awards will air on March 15, 2026. The list for the best international film will be announced on December 16, 2025, with the last five nominated revealed on January 22, 2026.
Source: vne
