Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
On November 22, 2025, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing was awarded the Best Actress title at the esteemed Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan, known as the Chinese-language Oscars. She earned the accolade for her remarkable portrayal of a widowed farmer and ritual healer in the Malaysian film Mother Bhumi. This performance significantly differs from her typical glamorous roles and signifies a robust return after her career faced challenges due to a tax evasion scandal in 2018.
Although Fan could not be present at the ceremony in Taipei, she delivered her acceptance speech via phone. She expressed that taking on this role was a profoundly impactful journey for her, both physically and emotionally. Reflecting on a conversation with the director about altering her appearance for the role, she confidently assured that she was ready to “go all the way.” This commitment allowed her to form a deep connection with her character and recognize the resilience of women.
On her behalf, Director Chong Keat Aun accepted the award and also secured the honor for best original song from the movie. He expressed gratitude towards Fan Bingbing and inquired, “Where are you?” while wishing her well on this new chapter and dedicating the winning song to her.
In recent years, the Golden Horse Awards have experienced political tensions. Since 2018, several Chinese artists have refrained from attending due to political conflicts between China and Taiwan. Beijing prohibited entertainers from participating in 2019 after a Taiwanese director expressed support for Taiwan’s independence. Regardless, the awards continue to draw talents from around the region.
Other notable winners included the Taiwanese film A Foggy Tale for Best Film, which delves into Taiwan’s political narrative. Hong Kong director Jun Li received the Best Director accolade for the drama Queerpanorama, while Taiwanese actor Chang Chen won Best Leading Actor for his role in Lucky Lu, which tells the story of an immigrant delivery man in New York.
The 2025 Golden Horse Awards highlighted an array of films and talent, showcasing potent stories and performances within the Chinese-speaking film community. Fan Bingbing’s victory marks a significant milestone in her resurgence in the film industry after facing challenging years.
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