Beijing – Hong Kong actress Michelle Wai claimed the Best Actress trophy at the 38th Popular Film Hundred Flowers Awards in Beijing on Saturday night, earning the honor for her role in the drama “The Last Dance.” Wai, who swapped her red-carpet gown for a striking blue dress at the ceremony, secured the award with a strong vote margin, surpassing fellow nominees including Ma Li (“Successor”), Song Jia (“Her Story”) and another contender.
The Hundred Flowers Awards, one of China’s most prestigious film honors, are determined by audience ballots, making the win a direct reflection of public acclaim. Wai’s performance in “The Last Dance” – a film exploring themes of family, mortality and redemption – resonated deeply with voters, propelling her to victory in a competitive category.
Accepting the award, a visibly moved Wai thanked the awards organization, the judging panel and the film’s crew. “A great movie can change lives and help us live better,” she said in her acceptance speech. “From now on, I will continue to create more touching characters and films.” She then shared a poignant line from her movie: “Since we have boarded this train of life, let’s enjoy the scenery along the way and have a good chat with the people beside us. Only then is this journey worthwhile.”
The win marks a significant milestone for Wai, a versatile performer who has steadily built a reputation across Hong Kong and mainland Chinese cinema. “The Last Dance,” directed by respected filmmaker, delves into the lives of funeral professionals – a rarely explored occupation in Chinese cinema – and has been praised for its emotional depth and cultural resonance.
Industry observers note that Wai’s victory signals a growing appetite among Chinese audiences for character-driven, socially reflective storytelling. The Hundred Flowers Awards, now in its 38th edition, have historically celebrated both commercial hits and critically acclaimed works, but this year’s Best Actress category featured strong contenders from diverse genres. Ma Li’s “Successor,” a comedy, and Song Jia’s “Her Story” both enjoyed box office success, yet Wai’s dramatic turn ultimately won over voters.
The award comes amid a period of heightened international interest in Chinese cinema, with several domestic films gaining traction at global festivals. For Wai, the honor is expected to open new doors, with industry insiders anticipating she will now be sought after for high-profile projects in both Hong Kong and the mainland.
In her closing remarks, Wai promised to continue striving. “Thank you all – I will keep working hard,” she said, as the audience erupted in applause. With this accolade, she joins the ranks of actresses who have used the Hundred Flowers platform to launch career-defining roles, leaving audiences eager to see what role she will take on next.
