Veteran actress Fan Bingbing captured the coveted Best Leading Actress award at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards on Saturday evening, triumphing for her role in the film The Earth Mother. Despite being absent from the Taipei ceremony, the unexpected win—and her dramatic acceptance via a phone call—became the defining moment of the evening, signaling a significant return to the spotlight for the Chinese star who bested a field of respected contenders.

The surprise victory saw Fan recognized over strong performances by talents including Fang Yu-ting, Rene Liu, Ariel Lin, and Kao I-ling. Director Chong Keat-aun accepted the accolade on Fan’s behalf, immediately connecting her by phone to the rapt audience and industry peers gathered for the region’s premier cinematic event.

Upon hearing the news, Fan conveyed palpable emotion over the loudspeaker, reflecting on the personal journey the project represented. She recounted the pivotal moment when the director approached her with an unusual request for collaboration.

Unwavering Commitment to the Craft

“[The director] asked me, ‘Are you willing to let yourself become my face?’” Fan recalled during the live relay. Her response, she emphasized, was immediate and absolute: “Fan Bingbing will see this through to the very end!”

She framed her unwavering commitment not only as a promise to fully embody the character in The Earth Mother but also as a profound statement of artistic faith. The actress stressed her belief in cinema as a vital medium for communication and cultural exchange, particularly as a representative of the Chinese film community.

“As a Chinese filmmaker, I will use more works to convey more profound meaning,” Fan asserted, underlining her intention to continue producing substantive, impactful content.

Fan Bingbing’s career has been marked by both spectacular international success and significant controversy, including a high-profile tax evasion scandal several years ago that led to a substantial penalty and an extended hiatus from public view. Her win at the prestigious Golden Horse Awards—often regarded as the “Oscars of the Chinese-speaking world”—serves as a powerful validation of her artistic endeavors and potentially marks a critical turning point in her professional trajectory.

The Significance of The Earth Mother

While the immediate buzz focused on Fan’s personal reaction, the recognition also shines a light on The Earth Mother, a film that explores complex themes likely resonating deeply with voters. Industry analysts believe the Golden Horse jury was compelled by the depth and nuance of Fan’s performance, opting to honor artistic merit independent of surrounding industry politics or personal history.

The award ceremony, celebrating the best films and performances across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, consistently attracts global attention. Fan’s win reinforces the enduring star power of veteran performers and highlights the industry’s willingness to recognize talent demonstrating exceptional dedication to character and narrative integrity.

Her successful night is expected to catalyze further professional opportunities and solidify her re-emergence in the global film festival circuit, promising more impactful productions from the acclaimed actress in the years to come.

The 62nd Golden Horse Awards ceremony delivered an emotional centerpiece this evening, honoring cinema and television luminaries who passed away over the last year. Singer Li Zhu-xin performed a dedicated musical tribute as large screens displayed images of the deceased artists, striking a poignant chord with attendees and viewers alike.

Remembering Industry Pillars

The segment, a beloved tradition at the prestigious Taipei event, highlighted the lasting contributions of various performers and creatives. Among the most recognized figures featured was actress Barbie Hsu (Da S), a multi-talented star whose career spanned film, television, and music. Her work crossed Taiwan’s “Three Golden” awards—the Golden Melody Awards for music, the Golden Bell Awards for television, and the Golden Horse Awards for cinema—underscoring her vast influence across different media landscapes.

The montage also included celebrated veterans representing the foundational decades of Chinese-language cinema and regional entertainment. Notable figures remembered included actors such as Henry Hui (許紹雄), Suet Nei (雪妮), Tong Kai (唐佳), Ha Chun-Chau (夏春秋), Chou Chung (周驄), Stanley Fung (馮淬帆), Duan Wei Lun (段偉倫), and Yang Shang-bin (楊尚斌). Their collective bodies of work encapsulate decades of cinematic history, from martial arts epics to classic broadcast dramas.

A Highly Praised Performance

Li Zhu-xin’s performance earned high praise for its sincerity and emotional depth. Viewers immediately reacted to the singer’s passionate delivery, which perfectly complemented the somber yet celebratory nature of the tribute.

Online forums and social media platforms quickly filled with accolades for the segment, emphasizing its powerful impact. Commentators frequently noted the arrangement’s quality and the vocalist’s heartfelt interpretation:

• “What a wonderful remembrance segment,” one viewer wrote.
• “The singing was truly beautiful and moving,” another noted, reflecting a widely shared sentiment regarding the performance’s success in connecting with the audience’s sense of loss and gratitude.

The annual tribute serves as more than just a formal acknowledgment; it reinforces the concept that the artistic contributions of these individuals remain integral to the ongoing narrative of Chinese-language film and media. By dedicating this moment, the Golden Horse Awards—one of the most significant film festivals in the sphere—ensures that the legacy and personal sacrifices of these performers are not forgotten as the industry looks toward the future.

This year’s powerful segment successfully balanced mourning with celebration, reaffirming the enduring connection between artists and the audiences they touched. The tribute highlights the industry’s continued commitment to honoring its past while celebrating present achievements.

HONG KONG – TVB management yesterday announced plans for a highly anticipated spin-off focusing on one of its most popular characters from the flagship drama “The Queen of News,” igniting excitement among cast and viewers alike. The announcement came during a promotional event for the upcoming sequel, The Queen of News 2, attended by leading stars including Gao Haining, Venus Wong, Hera Chan, Matthew Ho, and Hubert Wu.

Executive Producer Chung Shu-Kai confirmed that while a third installment of the main series is still under consideration, planning is underway for a standalone drama centered on Gao Haining’s compelling character, Xu Shiqing. Gao Haining, who learned the news during the event, expressed shock and delight, noting the announcement immediately dispelled her lingering fatigue from a recent trip to Macau.

“I had seen fan-written prequels—like fan fiction—about Xu Shiqing’s past online, but never imagined it would genuinely become a reality,” Gao shared, voicing her surprise. When pressed on whether she preferred the spin-off or The Queen of News 3 to film first, the actress leaned toward the prequel. She suggested that filming the character’s backstory would allow the producers more time to develop an even richer and more engaging plot for the third season of the main drama. Gao Haining further elaborated that the journey of Xu Shiqing—a constantly evolving character involved in intricate political maneuvering within the information department—is ripe for deeper exploration and extension.

Analyzing Character Development and Fan Impact

The decision to focus on Xu Shiqing underscores the significant influence of fan engagement on modern television production. The character’s journey from ambitious newcomer to powerful operator has resonated deeply with audiences globally.

Her co-stars warmly welcomed the news. Venus Wong expressed genuine happiness for Gao Haining and excitement for what she believes will be a “spectacular story.” Hera Chan, who portrays the villainous Tang Zhiyao in the series, looks forward to understanding Xu Shiqing’s complex beginnings.

Reflecting on her own antagonistic role, Chan discussed the challenging experience of playing a character who faces intense online hatred. “I’ve seen comments saying people want to slap my character,” Chan said, emphasizing her desire for viewers to look beyond the character’s actions and understand her underlying struggles and motivations. Wong, whose character Liu Yan experiences constant criticism but uses it as a catalyst for growth, highlighted the relatable nature of imperfect characters. “Not everyone is a genius,” Wong stated, “it’s the continuous process of learning and growing that makes a character interesting.”

Reflecting on Live Performance Challenges

The promotion event also served as an opportunity for the cast to address recent attention surrounding their high-profile live performance of “The Youngsters” during the TVB Anniversary Gala, an event widely described online as disorganized.

Gao Haining acknowledged the inherent difficulty of live broadcasts, especially for actors who are not professional singers. She pointed to nervousness, technical challenges—including slight auditory delays in monitoring the music—and limited rehearsal time as contributing factors.

“The most crucial element was communicating the internal emotional conflicts of our characters,” Gao explained, revealing that she was moved to tears during her own part. When asked about comments suggesting she effectively “saved” the performance, the actress demurred, humbly attributing any perceived success to the intensity of her genuine emotion rather than rehearsal.

Meanwhile, regarding the absence of veteran host Mayanne Mak from the recent Gala, Gao Haining felt the atmosphere would have been elevated had Mak been present, but complimented the newcomers who capably stepped in to host the annual event.

The planned Xu Shiqing spin-off marks an ambitious expansion of The Queen of News universe, committing to the detailed character development and quality storytelling that built the franchise’s initial success. Fans can expect further details on both the standalone series and plans for The Queen of News 3 in the coming months as production schedules solidify.