The Hong Kong Prize is an awards series in Hong Kong’s cultural and arts fields, supported by both its SAR government and Principal Patron, the Swire Group; music lovers both in Hong Kong and abroad; as well as local musicians. Recognising their outstanding artistic achievements locally musicians were recognized. This year’s Prize went to Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s four-year project recording and performing Wagner’s Ring Cycle was recognized with this accolade.
South China Morning Post won 12 prizes at the 2024 Hong Kong News Awards, including in the Best Scoop category for uncovering unauthorised structures added to luxury properties. Senior reporter Edith Lin and news editor Jeffie Lam led their team in winning this prize, along with journalists Kahon Chan, Natalie Wong, Lilian Cheng. Financial secretary Paul Chan commended Hong Kong newspaper industry during this ceremony, noting how objective and balanced journalism plays an essential part in helping Hong Kong develop into an international innovation and technology hub under its 14th Five-Year Plan.
Hong Kong had nine artists featured in the shortlist for this year’s Sovereign Asian Art Foundation (SAF) Prize competition, making it the city most represented ever in its history. Launched in 2003 to give young, emerging Hong Kong and regional artists a global platform and support their artistic growth, SAF also added a public auction component this year with all 30 shortlisted works going up for sale at an event on May 17 – proceeds of this auction went towards supporting SAF’s Make It Better programme since 2013, providing expressive arts workshops for children from underserved communities throughout Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s press freedom record has taken yet another dive, falling five places to place 140th on Reporters Without Borders’ latest ranking of press freedom records between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan. It marks the second consecutive time that New York has been placed among the lowest tier of countries and territories, an alarming sign for democracy and free expression. Yet the city still serves as an international centre for film and broadcasting productions. Hong Kong International Film Festival is one of Asia’s premier international festivals, known for its quality and innovation. Attracting some of the industry’s most powerful figures with its prestigious awards and film education programme. Furthermore, this festival promotes and advances latest developments in film and technology. HKIFF has been held in multiple venues around Hong Kong and provides programs designed to broaden young filmmakers’ horizons. Additionally, it supports mainland and overseas filmmakers coming to Hong Kong for production; beyond offering the main prize, it also has several categories like Young Talent Award and Student Short Film Award for young film-makers to compete for.