The prestigious 62nd Golden Horse Awards ceremony illuminated the Taipei Music Center on November 22nd, drawing cinema’s elite to a vibrant red carpet spectacle. Amidst dazzling fashion statements and focused career-best nominations, attendees shared touching personal anecdotes, revealing the human stories behind the cinematic glitz. Notably, perennial nominee Joseph Chang, vying for his third Best Actor title, offered a glimpse of his paternal side, while other nominees detailed their unique pre-ceremony rituals.

Joseph Chang, attending with his team for the film Quiet Depths, cut a sharp figure in sophisticated attire and glasses alongside co-star Ariel Lin, whose eye-catching gown highlighted her physique. When red carpet host Yang Chien-Pei inquired about any lucky charms, Chang surprisingly revealed a token prepared by his daughter. With genuine paternal warmth, he carefully produced a small toy, explaining that it was his child’s chosen talisman—a touching moment that transcended the formal setting.

The frontrunning film of the evening, The Great Mong, which commanded 11 nominations, saw its director Chen Yu-hsun lead his nominated cast down the carpet. The group included Best Actor nominee Will Or, Best Actress nominee Chloe Xiang, and singer 9m88. Or, known for his humorous candor, joked about giving his parents a hug for good luck, then revealed his unconventional attire choice. Dispelling the common superstition of wearing red underwear for fortune, Or declared his choice was “completely black.”

Or also addressed concerns regarding his health, having been diagnosed with stage four lung adenocarcinoma. Despite the challenge, he maintained a lighthearted demeanor, stating that his doctor assured him adequate sleep was the key to managing his condition. When asked about his sleep regimen, Or responded, “I usually sleep eight hours.” This prompted a humorous interjection from Director Chen Yu-hsun, who quipped that Or enjoyed more rest than he did. Or confirmed his intention to attend the post-ceremony celebration later that evening.

Looking ahead, the Great Mong team has a special fan screening scheduled. Or cleverly suggested how he might attend: “If I win, I’ll bring the Golden Horse award itself to see them. Otherwise, I can still bring the piggy bank that the Golden Horse team gave out.”

Fellow nominee Chloe Xiang, who garnered recognition for her role in American Girl, prepared for a significant moment later in the evening: co-presenting an award alongside her on-screen mother and sister from that film, actresses Karena Lam and Gingle Wang. Xiang confirmed that the trio had rehearsed their segment the night prior.

The red carpet event served as more than just a fashion parade; it was a testament to the dedication, vulnerability, and humor that define Taiwan’s film community. From a father’s treasured toy charm to an actor’s honest approach to health challenges, these personal narratives highlighted the profound connection between the creators and their craft, setting a warm and deeply human tone for the night’s cinematic celebration.

Key Takeaways from the Red Carpet:

• Personal Connection: Attendees often carried personal or family items for luck, emphasizing shared human experiences beneath the spotlight.
• Humor and Resilience: Nominees like Will Or demonstrated grace and humor in addressing serious health topics.
• Team Spirit: The presence of nominated directors and ensemble casts underscored the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

The 62nd Golden Horse Awards continues to be a cornerstone event recognizing excellence in Chinese-language cinema, blending professional prestige with moments of relatable sincerity.