Muar-born actress Fish Liew (廖子妤), 32, was named Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Anita Mui's sister, Ann Mui, in the biopic Anita at the 40th Hongkong Film Awards last night (July 17).

The film also emerged winner in other categories, including Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Design and Best New Performer, which was won by Louise Wong, who played the late Cantopop legend.

Fish was overwhelmed with happiness when she went on stage to receive her award. In her tearful speech, she first used Mandarin to thank her family in Malaysia, before switching to Cantonese to address those she worked with in Hongkong.

“I came to Hongkong 10 years ago and I started out not knowing a single person. Looking at the audience now, I’ve made so many good friends, [including those I’ve acted] with and directors, so many people gave me opportunities to act here, I’m honoured to have my dream come true in Hongkong,” said Fish.

Fish in 2015 coming-of-age film Lazy Hazy Crazy (right)

Fish's road to success was not an easy one.

She appeared in her first film, Doomsday Party, in 2013, and was asked to go fully nude for a scene.

She had a lot of reservations about the role and only accepted it after seeking advice from her father.

Two years later, she starred in Lazy Hazy Crazy, in which she played a part time prostitute. The role, too, required her to be naked on screen.

In an old interview, Fish revealed that she had no regrets shooting such risqué scenes, saying: “I really, really try my best in every show that I appear in. I dare not say I had sacrificed myself for art because this is something I want to do, and I give my all when doing it.”

Photos: 8world, HK01, Fish Liew/ Instagram