Fan Bingbing triumphs at Golden Horse Awards

Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has won the best actress award at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards for her role in the Malaysian film 'Mother Bhumi', marking a notable milestone in her career revival after a 2018 tax evasion scandal sidelined her for years.

The 44-year-old star, who played a widowed farmer and spiritual healer, was absent from the ceremony and accepted the honour over the phone while director Chong Keat Aun collected the award on her behalf. Critics hailed her performance as a breakthrough, contrasting sharply with the glamorous roles that made her a household name.

"When the director asked if I was willing to let him 'destroy my face,' I said without hesitation: 'Fan Bingbing is ready to go all the way,'" she said in her acceptance speech. "This role allowed me to deeply understand the resilient strength of women."

Fan, one of China's highest-paid actresses and known for roles in the X-Men and Iron Man franchises, disappeared from public view following the 2018 scandal before returning to films with 2023's 'Green Night'. Her Golden Horse win is widely regarded as both a personal and professional triumph.

The Golden Horse Awards, often called the Chinese-language Oscars, have a politically sensitive history. Chinese entertainers were banned in 2019 following controversy over Taiwan's independence remarks, but Chinese films still compete. Fan was the biggest Chinese name at this year's event.

The top prize for best film went to Taiwanese production 'A Foggy Tale', set during the island's martial law era, while Jun Li won best director for his same-sex drama 'Queerpanorama'. Taiwanese actor Chang Chen received best leading actor for 'Lucky Lu', with its director Lloyd Kee Choi named best new director.

Chong Keat Aun also won best original song for 'Mother Bhumi', dedicating it to Fan, saying: "We all believe you can start over. This song is for you."

Fan's recognition at the Golden Horse Awards highlights her artistic range and signals a potential resurgence, proving that even after public setbacks, her talent continues to resonate across Chinese-language cinema.