BEIJING – Hong Kong actress Michelle Wai claimed the Best Actress award at the 38th Hundred Flowers Awards on Saturday evening in Beijing, prevailing by a wide margin in popular voting for her role in the film “The Last Dance.”
Wai, 40, appeared on stage in a blue gown to accept the top acting honor at the ceremony, which is determined by audience ballots. She defeated a competitive field that included Ma Li (“Successor”), Song Jia (“Something Good,” “Silent Cicada”), and several other nominees. The award marked a major milestone for the veteran actress, who has built her career across Hong Kong and mainland Chinese cinema.
In her acceptance speech, Wai expressed gratitude to the awards committee, judges, and her production team. “A good film can change lives and help us live better,” she said. “From now on, I will continue to portray more touching roles and make films that move people.”
She shared a line from “The Last Dance,” saying: “It’s rare that we have boarded this bus called life. Let’s enjoy the scenery along the way and chat well with the people beside us—only then is the journey worthwhile.”
The film, which explores themes of life, death, and human connection, has resonated deeply with Chinese audiences.
Youngest Triple Crown Winner
Actor Yi Yangqianxi, 25, made history by winning Best Actor for his performance in “Small Me,” becoming the youngest actor to hold both the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers best actor titles.
Visibly emotional, Yi recalled his first Hundred Flowers Award six years ago, when he won Best Newcomer for his debut film “Better Days.” “Looking back from 2018 to now, in about eight years, I’ve gone from being a newcomer to starring in roughly 12 films,” he said. “I especially thank the audience and industry professionals for trusting me with this profession I respect. I want to extend its vitality as long as possible. I love this job.”
Yi, also a popular singer and member of the boy band TFBoys, has successfully transitioned from teen idol to critically acclaimed actor, with roles in films such as “A Little Red Flower” and “Full River Red.”
Other Major Winners
The ceremony, held at the Beijing National Convention Center, recognized a wide range of achievements:
- Best Picture: “Ne Zha: Demon Child in the Sea” (animated feature)
- Outstanding Film: “Silent Cicada”
- Best Director: Da Peng for “The Lychee of Chang’an”
“The Lychee of Chang’an” is a historical drama that has drawn praise for its storytelling and visual execution.
The Hundred Flowers Awards, organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Film Association, differ from many film awards in that winners are selected entirely through audience voting. This year’s edition saw a record number of ballots cast online and via mobile platforms.
The awards ceremony also highlighted the continued strength of Chinese cinema, with box office revenues rebounding strongly in 2024 following pandemic-era disruptions. Industry analysts noted that the diversity of winning films—from animated blockbusters to intimate dramas—reflects an increasingly mature and varied film market.
For audiences looking to catch the winners in theaters: “The Last Dance” continues to screen nationwide, while “Small Me” has been extended through the holiday period. The Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony will air in edited form on state broadcaster CCTV later this week.
