Chen Shiang-chyi nearly lost to Gong Li
24 Nov – "[The Best Actress] nominees had the closest race," said the head of the jury of this year's Golden Horse Award, Joan Chen.
As reported on Focus Taiwan, Joan revealed recently that it took the jury members hours to determine whether Zhao Wei, Gong Li, or Chen Shiang-chyi would be the better choice as this year's Best Actress winner.
However, Zhao, who shed off her girl-next-door-image for Peter Chan's "Dearest" was later set aside, while the jury continued to argue and make their points to choose between Gong Li's touching performance in "Coming Home", or Chen's effortless acting in "Exit".
While Gong Li's role was very difficult and her performance admirable, Joan said that Chen's portrayal as a middle-aged woman struggling to find her balance was subtle and free, enabling her to win the award in the end.
Joan also revealed that the jury chose Chen Jianbin to win two major acting awards - as the lead star of his directorial effort, "A Fool", and a supporting actor in Doze Niu's "Paradise in Service" – due to his vivid performances that triumphed over other nominees.
(Photo credit: Sandy C.)
