This weekend, Qingdao, a coastal port city in Shandong Province on the eastern Chinese mainland, hosted the 20th Huabiao Film Awards – one of China’s most prestigious film ceremonies – celebrating Chinese cinema’s 120th anniversary.
The scenic seaside venue set the stage for an awards night that mixed tradition with modern flair. Industry leaders, rising stars and festival veterans gathered to honor standout performances and visionaries pushing the medium forward.
Kara Wai Ying Hung took home Best Actress for her poignant performance in "Love Never Ends," while Zhang Yi earned Best Actor for his compelling role in "Endless Journey." Their wins reflect a diverse slate of storytelling – from intimate human dramas to sweeping epics.
Guo Fan received Best Director and used his speech to hint at the future: "Wandering Earth 3" is officially in production, aiming for a 2027 release. Fans of the blockbuster franchise are already speculating on new worlds and cosmic stakes.
Beyond the awards, the Qingdao debut underscores a shift in China’s film map. As coastal cities rise as cultural hotspots, filmmakers and audiences alike are looking beyond established hubs – bringing fresh energy to the industry’s next 120 years.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
