Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka-fai (R) and Chinese actress Zhou Xun celebrate at the 25th Hong Kong Film Awards April 8, 2006. Leung won the Best Actor award for his role in "Election" while Zhou won the Best Actress award for her role in "Perhaps Love". REUTERS/Bobby Yip

HONG KONG - "Election," Johnnie To's masterful story of a gang feud, won big at the 25th Hong Kong Film Awards Saturday, clinching best film, best director and best actor for Tony Leung Ka-fai.

Mainland newcomer Zhou Xun prevented a clean sweep of the top awards, winning best actress for a nuanced portrayal of a movie star torn between past and present loves in Peter Chan's musical "Perhaps Love."

The film was the biggest winner overall, racking up five non-acting awards including best costume and makeup design, best art direction, best original song, best score and best cinematography.

The strong showing by "Election" was sweet redemption for To after a dismal outing at another major Chinese-language film awards ceremony, Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, where "Election" only won two prizes despite being nominated for 11.

"Election" also won best screenplay Saturday.

But To wasn't on hand to receive his awards. It wasn't immediately clear why he didn't show up.

Meanwhile, an ecstatic Leung celebrated by raising both arms in the air. He also wasn't on site _ Leung was shown via video feed from what appeared to be the dressing room of a venue where he was acting on stage.

The actor, however, rushed to the after-party, where he giddily posed with his trophy.

Leung was a favorite in the best actor category because he received two nominations, one for his portrayal of a reckless gangster in "Election" and another for "Everlasting Regret," in which he played a wistful, jaded man with a lifelong crush on a Shanghai beauty.

Leung, best known to Western audiences for his leading role in "The Lover," said he was equally proud of both performances, which demonstrated his versatility.

"I like both roles. I put effort into both roles. The people behind both 'Everlasting Regret' and 'Election' were dedicated. I'd be happy if either won because both roles were a team effort," he said.

Up-and-coming Zhou got a major boost with her best acting win Saturday. The actress is known for subtle performances in a young career that includes roles in Golden Globe-nominated "The Little Chinese Seamstress" and Hong Kong independent director Fruit Chan's "Hollywood Hong Kong."

She was emotional when her award was announced but calmed down backstage, speaking in a measured pace.

"Many people have been especially supportive recently, both in and outside of the entertainment industry, as well as my fans. They were more anxious than me. I think they're the happiest right now," Zhou said.

Best Asian film went to the already decorated Chinese movie "Ke Ke Xi Li," about volunteers protecting the Tibetan antelope from ruthless poachers in remote western China.

"Ke Ke Xi Li," directed by Lu Chuan, won best film at the Golden Horse Awards in 2004 but qualified for the Hong Kong Film Awards this year because it was shown during the 2005 calendar year in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's Anthony Wong won best supporting actor for "Initial D," about Japanese street car racers, matching his win in the same category at the Golden Horses in Taiwan.

"Initial D" star Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou was another Taiwan-Hong Kong double winner, in the best newcomer category.

Chou's win Saturday solidifies the acting credentials of one of the Chinese-language pop world's biggest acts. The singer is also currently working on a film set in ancient China with famed mainland director Zhang Yimou.

He said music remains a priority. "I'll still focus on music. This is what I'm best at," Chou told reporters.

Best supporting actress was awarded to Teresa Mo for "2 Young," about a teenage couple who deal with pregnancy.

Saturday's ceremony gathered the cream of the crop of ethnic Chinese movie talent. Jackie Chan and Taiwan art-house director Hou Hsiao-hsien presented best film while Cannes winner Tony Leung Chiu-wai and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" star Zhang Ziyi announced best director.

Taiwanese pop diva Tsai Chin performed a medley of songs at Saturday's ceremony.