Johnnie To's Election was awarded best film and bestdirector at this year's Hong Kong Film Awards on Saturday night (April 8).

The gritty triad thriller,produced by Milkyway Image and One Hundred Years of Film Co, picked up fourawards in all, including best screenplay, which was co-written by Yau Nai Hoiand Yip Tin Shing, and best actor for Tony Leung Ka-fai's performance.

The sequel to the film, Election 2, received its world premiereat the opening of the Hong Kong International Film Festival last week (April4). Much of the cast and crew were reassembled for the sequel, although notLeung whose character met a gruesome end in the original film.

Peter Ho-sun-Chan's Perhaps Love picked up the biggestnumber of awards - six in all - including best actress for Zhou Xun, bestcinematography for Peter Pau, best art direction, best costume and make-up,best original film score and best original song. Peter Kam, who co-wrote thescore with Leon Ko, also recently scooped a Berlin Silver Bear for Isabella.

Meanwhile Andrew Lau andAlan Mak's Initial D picked up fourawards including best new performer for Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou, who playeda street racer in the film, and best supporting actor for Anthony Wong whoplayed his father. The Media Asia production also took awards for best sounddesign and best visual effects.

Derek Yee's 2 Young was awarded best supportingactress for Teresa Mo's performance; best film editing went to Divergence and best action choreography wentto Donnie Yen for SPL.

Kenneth Bi picked up thebest new director award for Rice Rhapsody,a comedy drama revolving around a Singapore family that marked his first 35mm feature film. Chinesedirector Lu Chuan's Kekexili, whichwas recently picked up for US distribution by National Geographic and SamuelGoldwyn, was awarded best Asian film.