Fan Bingbing recorded a major career milestone on Saturday, securing Best Actress at the 2025 Golden Horse Awards for her performance in Mother Bhumi. The Chinese star earned the honor despite not attending the ceremony in Taipei, offering her acceptance by phone while director Chong Keat-aun collected the trophy on her behalf.
The win marks one of the most significant moments of her comeback since her high-profile tax scandal in 2018 halted her work in mainland China.
The award also elevated the Golden Horse’s profile amid ongoing political tensions between China and Taiwan that have reshaped celebrity participation in recent years.
With the ceremony showcasing standout achievements across Asian cinema, Bingbing’s triumph emerged as the headline story of the night.
Bingbing, 44, won for her leading role in Mother Bhumi, where she plays a widowed farmer and ritual healer — a dramatic departure from her past glamorous screen persona. Critics described the performance as a “breakthrough,” praising her physical transformation and emotional depth.
In her remote acceptance, she explained the commitment required for the role, noting that the director had asked if she was willing to “destroy” her face for authenticity.
Other major awards included Best Film for A Foggy Tale, Best Director for Hong Kong’s Jun Li for Queerpanorama, and Chang Chen securing his second Best Actor award for Lucky Lu.
This year’s festival saw a surge in international entries, even as attendance from mainland China remained limited.
Bingbing reflected on the role’s emotional demands:
“It was not just a physical transformation, but a profound resonance of souls between me and the character.”
Director Chong addressed her absence onstage:
“Fan Bingbing couldn’t be here today. Where are you? This song was written for you.”
Industry analysts compared her performance to an elite athlete staging a late-career comeback, emphasizing her persistence following years outside the spotlight.
Observers also highlighted the political backdrop influencing participation at the Golden Horse since 2019, noting that Bingbing’s win could shift industry dynamics.
Bingbing’s victory serves as a significant boost for her global presence, particularly as she continues rebuilding her career outside mainland China.
The win may position her for international festival recognition in 2026, expanding her opportunities with non-mainland directors seeking top-tier performances.
For the Golden Horse Awards, her participation reinforces the festival’s resilience amid cross-strait tension, improving its competitive stature in Asian cinema rankings.
This moment also signals a potential shift in how Chinese-language stars navigate political restrictions while seeking artistic recognition abroad.
Bingbing is expected to continue working with overseas directors, though details on her next major project remain undisclosed.
Industry reports suggest she may return to the European festival circuit next spring, leveraging the momentum from her Golden Horse win.
The Golden Horse committee will now evaluate potential format updates for 2026 amid increased participation from Hong Kong and Southeast Asian filmmakers.
Bingbing’s award could influence casting decisions across regional productions as filmmakers weigh star power against political constraints.
ESPN
247Sports
On3
AFP
Golden Horse Awards Committee
Key Points Ariana Grande has revealed a return to her natural brunette hair after three…
Key Points Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt is hospitalized with a lung injury, putting…
Key Points Liam Hemsworth has confirmed his engagement to model Gabriella Brooks. The couple has…
Key Points Diane Keaton died Saturday in Los Angeles at age 79, prompting renewed focus…
Key Points Today’s New York Times Mini Crossword is slightly longer and more layered than…
Key Points Kelly Stafford shared eye-catching bikini photos from a Cabo San Lucas getaway on…