Oscar Race Heats Up as Hong Kong Chooses ‘The Last Dance’ as Entry

The rich legacy of Chinese-language films has long captured
the world’s imagination, transcending borders with cinematic masterpieces. From
the martial arts epics of Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to
the neo-noir suspense of Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love, these
films have consistently earned critical acclaim and a devoted global following.
The annual Oscar race serves as a key indicator of their international
influence, and this year, the spotlight turns to a new contender from Hong
Kong, The Last Dance, a film that carries the weight of a nation’s
cinematic ambitions.

Hong Kong’s selection of a beloved blockbuster highlights
the city’s cinematic excellence and that it has all its claws in for the 2026 Oscar awards.

Hong Kong’s record-breaking contender: The Last Dance

Hong Kong has officially chosen its blockbuster sensation The
Last Dance as the city’s submission for the Best International Feature Film
category at the 98th Academy Awards. This selection is an example of the film’s
immense local success and critical acclaim. Directed, produced, and co-written
by the talented Anselm Chan, the movie achieved a record-breaking financial
performance, becoming the highest-grossing local Chinese-language release in
Hong Kong’s history.

The film’s domestic triumphs are further solidified by its
staggering 18 nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards, tying the record for
most nods in a single year. The cast features Cantonese comedy legends Dayo
Wong and Michael Hui, whose performances are complemented by the talents of Michelle
Wai and Chu Pak Hong. This combination of commercial popularity and artistic
recognition makes The Last Dance a formidable contender with a beautiful plot.

The film’s narrative power and unique blend of genres make
it a deserving candidate for the prestigious Oscar.

A story of humor, heart, and humanity in The Last Dance

The Last Dance is a Hong Kong comedy-drama that
centers on the unlikely partnership between two men in the deathcare industry: Dominic
Ngai (Dayo Wong), a debt-ridden former wedding planner forced to become a
funeral director, and Master Man (Michael Hui), a highly conservative
Taoist priest. Their professional alliance, formed under challenging circumstances, quickly becomes a battleground for tradition versus modernity and profit versus piety.

The Last Dance is a compelling narrative that
transcends its comedic roots to offer a poignant look at human connection and
artistic integrity. The plot, while built on a foundation of humor, explores
themes of legacy, passion, and the value of perseverance in the face of modern
challenges. Its clever script and subtle emotional depth resonate with
audiences, distinguishing it from typical comedy releases and elevating it to a truly
international level.