For those wondering, the four series I've watched all the way through this year are "Daddy Cool," "Apple-colada," "The Stunt," and "Another Era," and I am currently watching "Fist Fight."
Stray observation: The protocol in years' past has seemed to be that every major actor in practically every series was nominated by default. Yet, this year's practice was to nominate every major (and several very minor) actor from a smaller number of more high-profile series.
View the full list of nominations here.
Best Actor
Predicted Winner: Dicky Cheung
Most Deserving:
Personal Choice: Carlos Chan
Snub: Steven Ma for "Deep in the Realm of Conscience"
- The Best Actress category has been a weak spot for several years now, while Best Actor usually includes at least one notably decent-performing veteran and one younger leading actor as nominees. But...this is also pretty bad now.
- I didn't watch "The Forgotten Valley," but it seems like Lau Kong had a substantial role, and this nomination makes me wonder if he may pull a win as a black horse candidate.
- I actually don't think there's a high likelihood Dicky will win, but it's also fair to believe that he may win because 1) the competition sucks, and 2) it could be an act of gratitude from TVB.
- TVB couldn't even throw Steven a nomination for starring in one of this year's anniversary series in a category that also includes Tony...ouch.
- If Benjamin wins, I don't know what I'm going to do to myself, but it seems like a likely possibility... (Though it seems odd he's nominated for "Another Era" rather than "Stealing Seconds," which he won Favorite Actor in Singapore and Malaysia for.
- Carlos will never win, but he really was refreshing and strong in "Daddy Cool." It takes a solid actor to hold your own against Wayne and John Chiang, but not only did Carlos did that, he was completely convincing as Wayne and John's grandfather and father, respectively. I hope he films with TVB again, but I'm sure he has even better opportunities after this performance.
- Man I really miss watching Louis.
Best Actress
Predicted Winner: Mandy Wong
Most Deserving: Mandy Wong
Personal Choice:
I watched the first two episodes of "Threesome," and did not hate it nor was I immediately drawn in, so I ended up never continuing because of how busy I was. Mandy has long shown that she is a competent actress though, and got a chance to showcase that by playing three different characters.
My Favorite Male Character
Predicted Winner:
Most Deserving:
Personal Choice: Carlos Chan
Yeah...I got nothing. Benjamin won this already two years ago, so another win so soon for someone who is no Charmaine Sheh or Wayne Lai seems redundant.
*Sorry to John Chiang for using such an unflattering screen capture...it seems to have gotten considerably harder to find good stills now that TVB has slacked off on uploading official promotional ones.
My Favorite Female Character
Predicted Winner: Ali Lee
Most Deserving:
Personal Choice:
I was already surprised Ali did not win this last year (and to her female co-star from the same series who had a less popular character!), so perhaps this year is hers. I watched the first two episodes or so of "Who Wants a Baby?" and didn't find it too engaging, but thought Ali performed well from what I saw, bringing out the character's insecurities and nervousness about becoming a mother while also feeling genuinely excited and happy. The only other person who may win would be Mandy if someone pulls an upset for Best Actress.
Best Supporting Actor
Predicted Winner:
Most Deserving:
Personal Choice:
Snub: Kelvin Kwan for "The Stunt"
Andrew Yuen was in just a handful of episodes as Alice's boyfriend in "Apple-colada" before getting broken up with, but alrighty then TVB. I'm hard pressed to single out even one name here...did Jonathan Cheung have a major role in "Succession War"? He's always good.
Obviously Kelvin is not a TVB managed artist, therefore, according to TVB, screw him, but he was certainly one of the more entertaining and memorable supporting actors this year. He never failed to steal a scene and make me laugh, but also fared relatively well in his emotional scenes, which was such a pleasant surprise since he has been criticized for being a wooden actor previously.
Best Supporting Actress
Predicted Winner:
Most Deserving:
Personal Choice: Joyce Tang
Look, I have no idea, I just wish Joyce could get her sweet justice for losing this award to FREAKING REBECCA ZHU last year even though she has no chance this year.
Most Improved Actor
Predicted Winner: Owen Cheung
Most Deserving:
Personal Choice:
This category is giving me a serious case of deja vu with three of the same nominees from last year and it's likely Owen vs. Matthew once again, with no Mat to pull a deserving upset this time around. Owen is the one who has already been promoted to leading actor though, so this makes most sense.
Most Improved Actress
Predicted Winner: Louisa Mak
Most Deserving:
Personal Choice: Roxanne Tong
Louisa is the most profile, but still very green. I still love Roxanne and think she is a very likable actress who has improved a lot, but TVB really can't seem to make its mind up on whether to promote her or not. Last year she had a few major roles and one leading one, yet this year she has gone back to being sidelined, and does not have any performances to warrant a win.
Favorite TV Partnership
Odd drama choices other than the "Life on the Line" guys. The trio from "Daddy Cool" definitely deserved a nomination and "Fist Fight" would have made a decent nomination too.
Best Drama
Predicted Winner: "Life on the Line"
Most Deserving: "Daddy Cool"
Personal Choice: "Daddy Cool"
Anniversary series and highest-rated series of the year while also receiving rather positive praise. "Life on the Line" is a pretty good recipe for a best drama win with these combined factors. "Daddy Cool" was just so fun and refreshing though, and even when the plot got a little draggy or absurd, the cast and characters were able to carry it until the end.
Best Theme Song
I'm assuming one of Hana Kuk's theme songs because she is TVB's current Jinny Ng. I have no personal choices.
