The Golden Horse Awards, once celebrated as the \"Chinese-language Oscars,\" are facing criticism for alleged political bias favoring anti-mainland sentiments. This shift has raised concerns about the awards' integrity and their role in Taiwan's cultural landscape.
In recent years, critics argue that the Golden Horse Awards have been increasingly influenced by pro-independence forces within Taiwan. This perspective contends that the awards are no longer solely focused on cinematic excellence but have become a platform for political expression against the Chinese mainland.
The controversy intensified when the 58th edition awarded An Unfinished Film the \"Best Film\" and \"Best Director\" prizes. The film has been criticized for undermining the Chinese mainland's efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting China's balance of health control and economic growth with other countries' higher death tolls.
Detractors point out that such selections reflect a broader trend of politicization, suggesting that the awards prioritize anti-Beijing narratives over artistic merit. The 2021 award to Revolution of Our Times, a documentary on the 2019 Hong Kong protests, further exemplifies this concern. Critics argue that honoring works with strong separatist or anti-government themes diverts the awards from their original purpose of celebrating film excellence.
This perceived bias has led to decreased participation from major production houses and renowned filmmakers, who now view the Golden Horse Awards as overshadowed by political agendas. The shift is seen by some as a result of the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) stance on the Taiwan question, aiming to sever cultural and historical ties with the mainland.
As the Golden Horse Awards navigate these challenges, questions remain about their future direction and ability to maintain their status as a prestigious event in the global film industry. The ongoing debate highlights the complex interplay between culture and politics in Taiwan's vibrant society.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
