Imagine hitting a career pinnacle for the very first time after more than half a century in the spotlight – that's the incredible story of Hong Kong legend Kenny Bee, who at 72, just snagged his inaugural film acting honor. But here's where it gets truly surprising: this milestone came from a movie that hasn't even hit theaters yet! Let's dive into the details of this heartwarming tale and explore why it's sparking buzz in the entertainment world.
Kenny Bee, the beloved singer and actor whose career spans an impressive 52 years, recently took home the Best Actor prize at the 2025 Wu Tianming Youth Film Festival for his standout role in the film Twenty-Four Flavours. For those new to the scene, the Wu Tianming Youth Film Festival is a vibrant event designed to spotlight emerging talents in filmmaking, focusing on fresh directors and their teams. Yet, in a delightful twist, they included an acting category this time around, and Kenny emerged victorious – marking his very first film award ever.
What adds an extra layer of intrigue is that Twenty-Four Flavours remains unreleased, meaning audiences haven't had the chance to see it on the big screen. In a candid chat with HK01, Kenny shared his joy, explaining that the festival's primary goal is to nurture young filmmakers and crew members. 'It was set up to encourage the next generation,' he noted, 'but they added an actor award, and I ended up winning it. Being acknowledged like this fills me with genuine happiness.'
Rather than throwing a lavish party with his family – including his daughter, who's also dipping her toes into showbiz – Kenny kept it simple. 'I just felt a quiet sense of contentment,' he revealed. And in true Kenny fashion, he couldn't resist a lighthearted quip, pointing out that many co-stars from his past projects, like the acclaimed Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, have racked up their own accolades. 'So, if you're an actor looking to strike gold, team up with me!' he joked. 'I've clearly been a lucky charm all along.'
This playful remark might raise eyebrows for some – is it just self-deprecating humor, or does it hint at a deeper truth about collaboration in Hollywood? And this is the part most people miss: while Kenny's 'lucky charm' status is endearing, it subtly challenges the idea that awards are purely about individual talent, suggesting that chemistry and timing play huge roles too.
Directed by the promising young filmmaker Huang Qiling from Guangzhou, Twenty-Four Flavours also features powerhouse actresses Sylvia Chang and Angela Yuen, portraying Kenny's on-screen wife and daughter. The story follows Si Yue, a young woman who returns home from the UK to discover her mother's cherished herbal tea shop is slated for demolition, all while her parents' marriage begins to crumble. The film's title, 'twenty-four flavours,' cleverly symbolizes the diverse and sometimes bitter-sweet aspects of life – think of it like a cup of herbal tea where each ingredient represents a different emotion or experience, blending together to create something uniquely human. For beginners in film analysis, this metaphor helps illustrate how everyday struggles can mirror broader life lessons, making the narrative relatable and thought-provoking.
Since its debut in 2024, the film has been making waves across international festivals, proving its appeal beyond borders. It was chosen for the Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan segment of the prestigious Golden Rooster Chinese Film Festival, earned a spot in the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival, and was featured in the New Chinese Cinema section of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. These selections highlight its growing reputation as a gem in contemporary cinema.
Photos: Kenny Bee/Weibo
So, what do you think? Does winning an award for an unreleased film feel as legitimate as one for a blockbuster hit? Or is Kenny's 'lucky charm' theory spot on – should actors seek out collaborations for that extra edge? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own stories from the world of entertainment!
