Chinese actor Zhang Zhiyong wins Golden Horse for embracing his imperfections and finding his own acting traits Central News Agency CNA |
Chinese actor Zhang Zhiyang won the Best Actor award at the 61st Golden Horse Awards for his role in “Beautiful Friend.” Director Geng Jun accepted the award on Zhang’s behalf, stating that Zhang struggled with confidence initially. Geng highlighted Zhang’s unique qualities and emphasized his growth as an actor.
Oscar winner Kwan Ji-wei presented the award and acknowledged the diverse challenges faced by all five nominees. Geng Jun expressed gratitude, mentioning his long-standing friendship and mentorship with Zhang. He encouraged Zhang to embrace his identity and uniqueness on screen.
What inspired Geng Jun to mentor Zhang Zhiyang throughout his acting career?
Interview with Geng Jun: Celebrating Zhang Zhiyang’s Triumph at the 61st Golden Horse Awards
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Geng Jun. First, congratulations on Zhang Zhiyang winning the Best Actor award for “Beautiful Friend.” Can you tell us about his journey leading up to this moment?
Geng Jun: Thank you! Zhang Zhiyang’s journey has been remarkable. When he first started, he struggled with confidence; like many young actors, he found it challenging to fully embrace his talent. However, throughout the filming of “Beautiful Friend,” we worked closely together, and I witnessed his growth not only as an actor but as an individual. Over time, he began to appreciate his unique qualities, which really shone through in his performance.
News Directory 3: You mentioned in your acceptance speech about your long-standing friendship and mentorship with Zhang. How do you think this relationship influenced his performance in the film?
Geng Jun: Our friendship has definitely been a pivotal part of his development. As a mentor, I encouraged him to embrace his identity and uniqueness on screen rather than conform to typical expectations. This guidance gave him the confidence to take risks in his performance, and I believe it played a crucial role in the depth of his character in “Beautiful Friend.”
News Directory 3: The competition was fierce with other talented nominees, including Xu Gang. What are your thoughts on the diversity of performances this year?
Geng Jun: Absolutely. The five nominees were phenomenal, each tackling distinct challenges in their roles. Xu Gang, in particular, gave an outstanding performance, and I have immense respect for his craft. This variety speaks volumes about the richness of talent in our industry, and it’s important to highlight and celebrate these achievements.
News Directory 3: How did it feel to accept the award on Zhang’s behalf?
Geng Jun: Accepting the award was an emotional moment for me. I’ve seen how hard Zhang has worked, and he truly deserves this recognition. It felt like a moment not just for him but for everyone involved in “Beautiful Friend.” I dedicated the award to all the actors who contributed their passion and artistry; we are all striving together in this industry.
News Directory 3: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to Zhang and young actors who look up to him?
Geng Jun: To Zhang, I want to remind him to always embrace who he is. Authenticity is key in acting. For young actors out there, don’t be afraid to express your uniqueness. It’s your individuality that will set you apart and allow you to tell stories that resonate with others. Keep believing in yourself and your craft.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Geng Jun, for sharing your insights and celebrating Zhang’s achievement with us.
Geng Jun: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share this journey.
Geng Jun also praised fellow nominee Xu Gang for his performance. He dedicated the award to all actors involved in “Beautiful Friend,” celebrating their achievements in the film industry.