Next month's Hong Kong film awards will be the biggest and the glitziest ever, organizers said as they revealed the nominees.

Manfred Wong, chairman of the Film Awards Association said the March 27 event would feature big-name stars and "beautiful girls -- lots of beautiful girls".

"This will be the biggest one we've organized," Wong said. "There will be more stars and more fans."

Stephen Chow's comedy Kung Fu Hustle leads the pack with 16 nods in the 24th awards ceremony, including best film, best director and best actor.

Artistic director Wong Kar-wai's 2046 came close behind with 12 nominations, including best film and best director.

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi was nominated for the best actress award and Hong Kong heartthrob Tony Leung as the best actor.

Hollywood action star Jackie Chan's New Police Story picked up eight nominations including for best film, best director and best actor.

Hong Kong-based cinematographer Chris Doyle was nominated twice for his work in 2046 and Fruit Chan's Dumplings.

Chinese director Zhang Yimou's House of Flying Daggers picked up a best Asian film nomination.

The ceremony will be held at the 12,500-capacity Coliseum theatre and stars Leung, Magie Cheung and Andy Lau have already confirmed they will attend, said Wong.

(China Daily February 4, 2005)