'The Volunteers: Going to War' (志愿军：雄兵出击) Triumphs as Best Picture, Zhang Yimou (张艺谋) Claims First Best Director Award
The 37th Hundred Flowers Awards, held on August 4th in Chengdu, marked a significant milestone in Chinese cinema, celebrating the industry's achievements and the enduring bond between filmmakers and audiences. This prestigious event, where winners are chosen by 101 audience judges from across the nation, showcased the evolving landscape of Chinese film and its growing global influence.
The night's biggest honor went to "The Volunteers: Going to War," which claimed the Best Picture award. This patriotic film, honoring the heroes of the Korean War, resonated deeply with viewers, reflecting a broader trend of historically-themed productions gaining popularity in China. The film's producer, Fu Ruoqing, emphasized the importance of mainstream cinema in shaping national narratives, announcing plans for sequels to further explore this chapter of history.
In a surprising turn of events, legendary director Zhang Yimou won his first-ever Hundred Flowers Award for Best Director with his film "Article 20." At 74, Zhang's victory underscores his enduring relevance and ability to connect with audiences across generations. His heartfelt acceptance speech highlighted the challenge and importance of earning audience approval, a testament to the Hundred Flowers Awards' unique position as a viewer-driven accolade.
A Night of Surprises and Emotional Victories in Chengdu
The acting categories provided some of the night's most emotional moments. Zhu Yilong's win for Best Actor in "Lighting Up the Stars" was accepted in absentia, with his young co-star Yang Enyou charmingly relaying his gratitude via phone. Ma Li's tearful acceptance of the Best Actress award for "Article 20" was particularly poignant, as she reflected on her twenty-year journey from stage to screen and the struggles faced by comedy actors in gaining recognition.
Veteran actor Li Xuejian's Best Supporting Actor win for "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" was met with thunderous applause, while Zhao Liying's narrow victory in the Best Supporting Actress category for "Article 20" added an element of suspense to the proceedings.
The awards also shone a spotlight on emerging talent, with Yu Shi winning Best New Performer for his role in "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms." His acceptance speech, touching on the challenges of waiting for a breakthrough, resonated with many aspiring artists in the audience.
Beyond the awards themselves, the ceremony celebrated Chengdu's rich cinematic history, marking 39 years since the city last hosted the event. The presence of Lu Xiaoya, director of the 1985 Best Picture winner "The Red Dressed Girl," provided a touching link between past and present.
The event also served as a platform to showcase upcoming summer blockbusters, with performances featuring music from films like "Decrypt," "White Snake (白蛇): The Tribulation of Life," (逆行人生) and "The Invisible Guest," highlighting the diversity and creativity of contemporary Chinese cinema.
As the Chinese film industry continues to grow in both domestic appeal and international influence, the Hundred Flowers Awards stands as a unique barometer of audience tastes and industry trends. The focus on patriotic themes, historical epics, and socially relevant dramas reflects the current priorities of Chinese filmmakers and viewers alike.
The success of this year's ceremony and the ambitious plans announced by many of the winners suggest a bright future for Chinese cinema. As the country approaches its 75th founding anniversary, the film industry seems poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping national identity and showcasing Chinese culture to the world.
The 37th Hundred Flowers Awards not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also set the stage for the next chapter in Chinese cinema's ongoing story. With a blend of established talent and rising stars, and a commitment to both artistic excellence and audience engagement, the future of Chinese film looks set to blossom even more vibrantly in the years to come.
