Lucky Lu


Lucky Lu is a 2025 drama film written and directed by Lloyd Lee Choi, in his feature film directorial debut. Adapted from Choi's 2022 short film Same Old, it stars Chang Chen, Fala Chen, and Carabelle Manna Wei.
The film had its world premiere at the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, where it was eligible for the Caméra d'Or. At the 62nd Golden Horse Awards, the film was nominated for five awards and won three, including Best Leading Actor for Chen, Best New Director for Choi, and Golden Horse Award for Best [Original Film Score|Best Original Film Score] for Charles Humenry. It also received two nominations at the 41st [Independent Spirit Awards], including Best Director for Choi and Best Lead Performance for Chen.

Premise

A delivery driver's bike is stolen on the eve of his wife and his daughter's immigration from Taiwan to New York City.

Cast

In September 2024, it was announced Chang Chen would star in the film, with Lloyd Lee Choi directing from a screenplay he wrote. Destin Daniel Cretton and Nina Yang Bongiovi were set to serve as producers. Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Pritzker serve as an executive producers. The film is a full-length expansion of Choi's 2022 short film Same Old.
Principal photography began in December 2024, in New York City.

Release and reception

It had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section on May 19, 2025.
AwardYearCategoryRecipientResult
Calgary International Film Festival2025International Narrative CompetitionLucky LuNomitated
Cannes Film Festival2025Caméra d'OrLucky LuNomitated
El Gouna Film Festival2025El Gouna Silver Star for Narrative FilmLucky LuWon
Filmfest Hamburg2025NDR Young Talent AwardLloyd Lee ChoiWon
Film Independent Spirit Awards2026Best DirectorLloyd Lee Choi
Film Independent Spirit Awards2026Best Lead PerformanceChang Chen
Golden Horse Awards2025Best Leading ActorChang ChenWon
Golden Horse Awards2025Best New DirectorLloyd Lee ChoiWon
Golden Horse Awards2025Best Adapted ScreenplayLloyd Lee ChoiNomitated
Golden Horse Awards2025Best CinematographyNorm LiNomitated
Golden Horse Awards2025Best Original Film ScoreCharles HumenryWon