Guan Jiwei and Xu Guanghan attracted the attention of entertainment workers on the red carpet

The 61st Golden Horse Awards took place on the evening of November 23, 2024, before the Avenue of Stars Awards. Notably, Oscar-winning actor Kwan Kai-wai walked the red carpet. He encouraged patience among the audience and celebrated the talent of young film workers in Taiwan.

Kwan expressed excitement about returning to the awards after 40 years. He mentioned how much he loved Taiwan and was eager to enjoy the local cuisine with family after the event.

Sandra Ng, nominated for Best Actress for “I Got Love,” shared her hopes for the film’s success. She was nervous wearing expensive jewelry worth NT$88 million at the red carpet event. Ng felt comfortable at the awards, likening it to a reunion with old friends.

Xu Guanghan walked the red carpet with his movie crew, engaging the audience by recalling his character’s Japanese lines. The film’s director noted their positive experiences collaborating with both Taiwanese and Japanese actors.

Abe Hiroshi attended as a presenter, expressing a desire to work with more filmmakers in Taiwan in the future.

What were some of the standout moments from the 61st Golden Horse Awards?

Interview with Film Specialist on the 61st Golden Horse Awards

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. The 61st Golden Horse Awards took place recently, and the event seems to have been filled with remarkable moments. What are your initial thoughts on this year’s ceremony?

Specialist: Thank you for having me. The Golden Horse Awards have always been a significant highlight in the Asian film industry, serving as a platform to celebrate and recognize talent. This year, especially with Kwan Kai-wai’s presence after 40 years, it added an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to the event. His encouragement for patience among the audience and his celebration of young talents in Taiwan really set a positive tone for the night.

Interviewer: Kwan mentioned he was looking forward to enjoying local cuisine after the awards. How important do you think such personal touches are for transcending the formalities of award shows?

Specialist: Personal touches like that are crucial. They remind us that behind the glitz and glamour are real people who have personal lives and experiences. Kwan’s affection for Taiwan highlights the strong cultural ties and the love that filmmakers have for the locale. It creates a heartfelt connection with the audience and the film community.

Interviewer: Sandra Ng’s nomination for Best Actress for “I Got Love” was notable, along with her nerves about wearing expensive jewellery. What does this say about the pressures faced by actors at such high-profile events?

Specialist: It speaks volumes about the pressures and expectations that come with these ceremonies. While the recognition is immensely rewarding, the stakes—both in terms of performance and presentation—are high. Wearing jewellery worth NT$88 million could indeed be daunting! However, the comfort she felt being surrounded by familiar faces illustrates a sense of camaraderie that can alleviate some of that pressure.

Interviewer: Xu Guanghan engaging with the audience was a delightful moment. What value do such interactions bring to the awards?

Specialist: Engaging directly with the audience can enhance the overall experience for everyone involved. It creates a more intimate atmosphere and allows fans to feel closer to the actors and filmmakers. Xu’s recollection of his character’s Japanese lines adds a level of depth and authenticity, reminding us of the collaborative spirit of cinema beyond borders.

Interviewer: Abe Hiroshi expressed a desire to work more with Taiwanese filmmakers. What does this indicate about cross-cultural collaborations in the industry?

Specialist: It indicates a growing recognition of the value of cross-cultural collaborations. Filmmakers are increasingly looking beyond their national borders to enrich their storytelling and bring diverse perspectives. Abe’s eagerness reflects a mutual respect and curiosity that can lead to innovative projects and broaden audiences.

Interviewer: Ang Lee’s motivational remarks for filmmakers were inspiring. How critical is mentorship in the film industry?

Specialist: Mentorship is incredibly important. It provides younger filmmakers with guidance, encouragement, and the assurance that risks can lead to significant breakthroughs. Ang Lee’s reminder to hold on to dreams is particularly relevant in an industry that can be fraught with challenges. It fosters an environment where new voices and ideas can flourish, ensuring the future of cinema remains vibrant.

Interviewer: what were your thoughts on the recognition of young talent like Zheng Yufei and the highlights of the evening?

Specialist: Zheng Yufei’s win as an 11-year-old for her role as a child with cancer is particularly poignant and reflects the depth of talent emerging in Taiwan’s film scene. It’s moments like these that not only inspire aspiring young actors but also highlight the need for storytelling that resonates with real human experiences. Wu Junru’s kiss on stage, alongside Cheng Peipei’s Lifetime Achievement Award, underscored the celebration of both emerging and established talent in a balanced way, making this year’s Golden Horse Awards a memorable event.

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the Golden Horse Awards continue to be a testament to the rich tapestry of talent within the film industry.

Specialist: My pleasure! The Golden Horse Awards remain a beacon of creativity, and I am excited to see how the future will unfold for Taiwanese cinema.

Ang Lee concluded the red carpet segment by motivating filmmakers to innovate and take risks. He reminded young Taiwanese film workers to hold on to their dreams despite life’s challenges.

In the event’s highlights, 11-year-old Zheng Yufei won a Golden Horse Award for her role as a child with cancer. Additionally, Wu Junru caused excitement by kissing Xu Guanghan on stage.

Cheng Peipei received the Golden Horse Lifetime Achievement Award, while Ang Lee reflected on the unexpected success of his Oscar-winning films.