Hollywood’s biggest night has officially landed in Hong Kong, and the city’s showbiz scene is positively sparkling with excitement! The 97th Academy Awards aired live from the Dolby Theatre today, March 2, 2025, and Hong Kong fans turned it into a full-on fiesta, hosting glamorous watch parties that had the town buzzing from Causeway Bay to Mong Kok. With the red carpet rolling out at 5 PM PST (that’s 9 AM Monday, Hong Kong time), locals stayed up late—or woke up early—to catch every dazzling moment, and the vibe? Pure Tinseltown magic, with a Canto twist.
The star of the night—or at least the talk of every party—was Cynthia Erivo, whose special Oscars performance had Hong Kong’s entertainment crowd on the edge of their plush velvet seats. Known for her powerhouse pipes and her role in Wicked, Erivo’s moment was a highlight that sent ripples through the city’s film buffs, who’ve been touting her as a global icon with a flair Hong Kong can’t get enough of. “She’s got that larger-than-life energy we adore here,” raved one party host, decked out in a sequined gown fit for the Oscars itself. Bars, lounges, and even private penthouses transformed into mini red-carpet zones, complete with champagne flutes clinking and selfie stations galore.
But it wasn’t just about the glitz across the Pacific—Hong Kong’s own cinematic dreams were front and center too. The city’s showbiz insiders have been whispering about its growing clout on the world stage, and the Oscars buzz only fueled the fire. Local film fans pointed to recent successes like Ne Zha 2 tearing up the box office and wondered aloud: when’s it our turn for an Academy nod? Viewing parties doubled as networking hubs, with aspiring directors, actors, and producers mingling over popcorn and predictions. “Hong Kong’s got the talent—we’re ready for that gold statue,” one up-and-coming filmmaker declared, his eyes glued to the screen.
The energy was electric at spots like Lan Kwai Fong, where rooftop bars blasted the live feed on giant screens, and attendees swapped hot takes on everything from the gowns to the gaffes. One chic event even rolled out a mock awards ceremony, handing out “Hong Kong Oscars” to partygoers for best dressed and best Oscar-worthy scream. Meanwhile, family living rooms turned into cozy watch zones, with kids and grandparents alike cheering on their faves. “It’s like Lunar New Year, but with more glitter,” laughed one viewer, juggling a bowl of dumplings and a live stream.
By the time the credits rolled Stateside, Hong Kong was still wide awake, dissecting every win and snub. Erivo’s performance lingered in the air like a perfect high note, while the city’s showbiz faithful kept the party going into the wee hours. From starry-eyed dreamers to seasoned industry vets, the Oscars reminded Hong Kong why it loves the silver screen—and why it’s ready to shine on that global stage. Next year, maybe the red carpet will stretch all the way to Victoria Harbour!
