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.^[1]

According to you why this record-breaking film could become Hong Kong’s next major Oscar success? Let us know in the comment below.