The 61st Golden Horse Awards, held in Taiwan, celebrated the power of storytelling by recognizing films that tackled the COVID-19 pandemic and LGBTQ+ themes.
These awards, often called the “Oscars of the Chinese-speaking world”. Among the night’s highlights was “An Unfinished Film”, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lou Ye. This docu-drama, set against the backdrop of China’s COVID-19 lockdowns, took home Best Film and Best Director.
The story follows a film crew stranded near Wuhan while attempting to complete a decade-old project, blending personal resilience with a critique of social isolation. Accepting the award on Lou’s behalf, his wife, Ma Yingli, expressed gratitude to the team, calling the project “one of Lou’s most unique directing jobs.”
Another standout, “Bel Ami”, directed by Geng Jun, shone a light on China’s LGBTQ+ communities. This deeply moving exploration of love and identity earned multiple accolades, including Best Leading Actor for Zhang Zhiyong, who played a middle-aged gay man navigating societal pressures. The film also won for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing, cementing its place as a groundbreaking work in contemporary Chinese cinema.
The Golden Horse Awards have long provided a stage for stories that challenge mainstream narratives. Despite Beijing’s ban on official participation by Chinese filmmakers since 2019, the event has continued to attract independent creators. This year saw over 200 entries, a record-breaking number that signals the growing relevance of the awards in the Chinese-speaking film industry.
The ban, enacted after Taiwanese director Fu Yue spoke in favor of Taiwan’s independence during a 2018 acceptance speech, has not deterred filmmakers. Instead, it has fueled a surge in bold, uncensored storytelling that aligns with the awards’ commitment to creative freedom.
The recognition of “Bel Ami” holds particular significance in light of China’s restrictive stance on LGBTQ+ representation. While same-sex relationships are legal, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, and depictions of LGBTQ+ themes in media are often censored.
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