Martial arts comedy "Kung Fu Hustle" won the best film title at the
Chinese-language version of the Oscars on Sunday, becoming the biggest winner
at the Golden Horse ceremony in Taiwan.Taiwan has played host to the Golden Horse awards, which showcase
Chinese-language films, for 42 years, but contestants from Hong Kong and
China have stolen the spotlight in recent years as Taiwan's renowned art
films lost their appeal.

A raucous tale set in 1930s China about a hapless gangster's attempt to prove
himself deadly, "Kung Fu Hustle" bagged five awards, including best director
for Hong Kong's superstar actor-turned-director Stephen Chow. It was
nominated in 10 categories.

The U.S-financed hit earned six Hong Kong Film Awards -- including best
picture -- earlier this year, set a box office record in Hong Kong for a
Chinese-language film and racked up millions of dollars at overseas box
offices.

But "Election," which was this year's most nominated film, won just two
awards -- best original screenplay and best sound effects. The Hong Kong
gangster tale was directed by last year's Golden Horse best director Johnnie
To.

Underscoring a decline in the island's once-thriving movie industry, Taiwan
movies failed to win major awards.

Critics say Taiwan's slow-moving art films -- once loved at international
film festivals -- have lost support at home as viewers find them difficult to
understand and opt instead for action.

Actress Shu Qi took one of top prizes for Taiwan for her leading role in
"Three Times," featuring three stories set in three different times but using
the same actors by arthouse director Hou Hsiao-hsien.

"I hope we can do better with the Chinese-language films in the
Chinese-speaking world, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland, so that
foreign films will not take over the entire market," said Hou, who received a
special mention as the best filmmaker in Taiwan.

The title of best actor went to Hong Kong pop singer and first time Golden
Horse nominee Aaron Kwok for his role in "Divergence."

"For me, winning this award means a new beginning," Kwok said in the northern
city of Keelung, where the glittering ceremony was held this year.

Best supporting actress went to Yuen Qiu for her role in "Kung Fu Hustle,"
while Anthony Wong bagged the best supporting actor for his role in "Initial
D." Both were from Hong Kong.

Taiwan pop star Jay Chou was awarded best new performer for starring in
"Initial D," his first movie.

Sunday November 13 11:35 AM ET
http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/20051113/113191055100.html