Gwei Lun-mei was named best leading actress at the 2012 Golden Horse Film Festival Nov. 24 for her role in the romantic drama “Gf * Bf,” the first Taiwan performer in six years to win the award.
“I really love acting,” the 28-year-old Gwei said at the ceremony in eastern Taiwan’s Yilan County. “I would like to thank my parents for letting me do what I like and for enduring loneliness and [my] bad temper.”
Gwei, who began her film career at age 17, said, “Receiving an award at this point is like a student getting a good grade, allowing me to continue moving forward.”
Hong Kong actor Lau Ching-wan was honored as best actor for his performance in “Life without Principle.” The 48-year-old Lau, who has been in the industry for 28 years, said acting is a job, and regardless of awards, one still has to act. “I’m very lucky, always coming across good directors and scripts.”
In 2007, Lau captured Best Actor in the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in “My Name Is Fame.”
Best Feature Film went to “Beijing Blues,” a depiction of urban life through the medium of a police procedural, directed by mainland Chinese director Gao Qunshu. Directors Zhang Siqing and Yung Chang, also from mainland China, grabbed Best Short Film and Best Documentary for “The Home Gleaners” and “China Heavyweight,” respectively.
Johnnie To of Hong Kong pocketed Best Director for “Life without Principle,” while Best New Director went to Taiwan’s Chang Jung-chi, director of “Touch of the Light.”
Outstanding Taiwanese Filmmaker of the Year was awarded to Huang Yu-siang, leading actor in “Touch of the Light,” which bagged the FIPRESCI Prize for best feature as well.
“Gf * Bf” also won the Audience Choice Award, while 77-year-old Taiwan actor Shih Chun was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The annual Golden Horse Awards, founded in 1962, are considered the Chinese-language Oscars and among the most coveted honors for the region’s filmmakers. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw