Films from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan split the honors Saturday at Taiwan’s 50th Golden Horse awards, the Chinese-language equivalent of the Oscars. Singaporean film "Ilo Ilo" beat Hong Kong Director Wong Kar Wai’s film "Grandmaster" to win best feature film, while Zhang Ziyi has won the first Golden Horse of her life.
A-listers grace the red carpet for the 50th anniversary of The Golden Horse Awards in Taipei. As the biggest and most prestigious awards for Chinese language movies, it has attracted a star-studded lineup, including veteran actor and director Jackie Chan, the recipient of many Golden Horse Awards in the past.
Taiwan actress Shu Qi, nominated for best actress for her performance in "Journey to the West; Conquering the Demons" walks the red carpet in a Valentino dress.
The cast of "The Grandmaster" also makes a big entrance. The martial arts film by Wong Kar-wai receives the most nominations of the year - including best film, best director, best lead actor, and best lead actress.
Carina Lau accompanies Tony Leung, up for best lead actor for his role in "The Grandmaster".
Oscar-winning director Ang Lee has returned to his native Taiwan to serve as a judge on the Golden Horse Awards panel.
While the annual event is held in Taiwan, it is Chinese film’s most representative award, drawing jurors from Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. This year’s 50th Anniversary ceremony has seen a total of 37 films nominated, while Singaporean film "llo llo" is the dark horse of the evening.
The film has won best feature film of the year. Directed by Singaporean director Anthony Chen, "Ilo Ilo" tells the story of the relationship between a Philipina maid and the family she serves in Singapore during the 1997 recession in Asia. Chen has also won the best new director award.
The much hailed "The Grandmaster" is passed over for best film or best director, but still wins five awards, including cinematography and best actress for Zhang Ziyi in the leading role.
Taiwan’s Lee Kang Sheng beats Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Tony Leung Ka Fai to win the best actor award for his leading role in "Stray Dogs". Director Tsai Ming Liang wins best director of the year award.
"Stray Dogs" is a contemplative film about a father and his two sons struggling with poverty and modern day life in Taiwan. It also won the Grand Jury Prize at the 70th Venice Film Festival this year.
"This year I saw so many of my idols. I feel like I’ve been growing up along side them until today, win I won this award. It’s almost like magic, but at the same time it’s not an easy task," said Tsai Ming Liang, director of "Stray Dogs".
Best supporting actress has gone to Malaysian Yeo Yann Yann for her role in the film "llo llo". Best supporting actor went to Li Xuejian for his role as a symphatic Chinese official in the movie "Back to 1942", directed by Feng Xiaogang.
Source:CNTV
