Tony Ka-fai LEUNG's Triumph at the Golden Rooster Awards for 'The Shadow's Edge'

Tony Ka-fai LEUNG's Triumph at the Golden Rooster Awards

On November 10, 2026, Tony Ka-fai LEUNG was honored with the Best Actor award at the 39th Golden Rooster Awards for his riveting performance in the action-crime film The Shadow's Edge. This prestigious recognition took place during a ceremony held in Xiamen, China, where the film also garnered three nominations, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.

The Golden Rooster Awards, established in 1981, are renowned for recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking across China. LEUNG's portrayal of Longsheng FU, a cunning mastermind leading a group of skilled thieves, captivated the jury with its intricate emotional depth and high-octane action sequences. In his emotional acceptance speech, LEUNG expressed heartfelt thanks to director Larry YANG, global action star Jackie CHAN, the entire Jackie Chan Stunt Team, and the production partners, including iQIYI, Damai Entertainment, and Hairun Pictures.

This award marks a significant milestone in LEUNG's over 40-year-long acting journey, as it is his first Golden Rooster Award following previous nominations. His performance within The Shadow's Edge received rave reviews for its ability to balance the character's cold, strategic mind with moments of profound emotional vulnerability.

The Shadow's Edge: A Triumph of Storytelling

Directed by Larry YANG, The Shadow’s Edge features a talented ensemble cast, including not just LEUNG, but also Jackie CHAN and Zifeng ZHANG. The film's narrative unfolds as an elite law enforcement team is pulled into a gripping cat-and-mouse game against a sophisticated criminal organization within the bustling streets of Macao. The film distinguishes itself by juxtaposing traditional investigative instincts against modern technological surveillance.

In this high-stakes environment, LEUNG’s character, Longsheng FU, goes from being a composed and sophisticated figure to a ruthless, unyielding opponent. His performance shines in well-executed action scenes, particularly during a standout one-against-30 fight, showcasing both physical and emotional prowess.

Box Office and Critical Acclaim

Released to theaters in 2025, The Shadow’s Edge generated an impressive RMB 1.265 billion (approximately 190 million USD) at the Chinese box office, receiving favorable reviews from audiences and critics alike. The film proved popular not just domestically; it reached over 30 countries and regions, earning its spot as one of Malaysia's top 10 highest-grossing Chinese-language films ever. Moreover, it was proudly featured in notable sections of international film festivals such as the Busan International Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Adding to its accolades, LEUNG also won the Best Actor award at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards for this very role, reaffirming his position as one of Asia's leading actors in contemporary cinema.

Streaming Success and Future Endeavors

Significantly, the success of The Shadow’s Edge did not stop with its theatrical release. Following its debut on iQIYI in November 2025, the film topped several viewership charts, ensuring robust audience engagement that speaks to iQIYI's capability in maximizing the return on high-quality cinematic productions.

Building on the film's success, iQIYI has confirmed that filming for a sequel, The Shadow's Edge 2, commenced in October 2026, extending the thrilling narrative of the first film into the next chapter of this compelling saga.

Through productions like The Shadow's Edge, iQIYI underscores its commitment to delivering high-quality films while nurturing local creative talent, aiming to present compelling Chinese stories to audiences both in China and around the globe.