On September 27th, local time, the 73rd San Sebastian International Film Festival brought great news: Chinese actress Zhao Xiaohong, who played "Mother Liao Hong" in "Prison Mom," the only Chinese film shortlisted for the main competition, won the festival's "Silver Shell Award for Best Leading Actor" for her profound and powerful performance. This was her first film, but she already created a legend in world cinema. This was not only the only award for a Chinese film at the San Sebastian Film Festival, but also another high recognition for Chinese-language film performance at an international A-level film festival.
Award-winning poster
At the film's world premiere, the 1,800-seat theater was packed. Zhao Xiaohong, portraying Liao Hong, a mother struggling to rebuild her life and rekindle her family after being released from prison, deeply moved the audience with her nuanced emotional expression and intense inner drama. After the screening, the audience spontaneously rose to their feet and applauded for twenty minutes, many in tears. The scene was deeply moving.
Premiere
"I'm grateful for not giving up, and I want to empower women in difficult situations."
Standing on the podium, Zhao Xiaohong couldn't contain her excitement: "Hello everyone, I'm Chinese actress Zhao Xiaohong. What a surprise! I didn't expect to receive such a big surprise." She began by thanking herself: "First and foremost, I want to thank the most important person in my life: myself. No matter the difficulties, hardships, or despair, I never gave up on myself. You've always been with me until now."
She immediately shared her happiness with her family: "I most want to share this moment of glory and joy with my dear son who is far away in China. My son, Mom loves you!"
Zhao Xiaohong's acceptance speech
Talking about her collaboration with director Qin Xiaoyu, she said affectionately, "I don't know what words I should use to express my gratitude to him. This is my first time making a film, and it's your recognition, encouragement, and support that allowed me to do what I wanted to do. Thank you very much. My relationship with director Qin Xiaoyu is not just that of director and actor, but more like that of comrades and family."
Group photo of the crew
Directed by Qin Xiaoyu, "Mom from Prison" took seven years to create and polish. The film focuses on the story of a released woman returning to society and rekindling her family ties. With a warm and resilient narrative style, it depicts the epic life story of a woman in contemporary Chinese society. Zhao Xiaohong's performance as "Liao Hong" depicts her journey from a prison art troupe member to a mother facing familial estrangement and social pressures after her release. Her rich and emotionally charged performance was crucial to the film's international success.
movie posters
After receiving the award, Zhao Xiaohong dedicated the honor to all female viewers: "To all sisters in difficult situations, no matter where you live, if you can find courage, comfort, and strength after watching our film, that is the greatest meaning of making this film."
This year, three Chinese actresses won the Best Actress award at the A-level film festival
It is gratifying that in 2025, Chinese films will shine on the international stage, and three outstanding actresses have won Best Actress awards at different A-level film festivals.
Xin Zhilei previously won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice International Film Festival for her masterful portrayal of the leading actress, Meiyun, in the film "Sun Hanging in the Sky." In the film, Xin Zhilei vividly portrayed Meiyun's struggles with emotional entanglements and moral dilemmas, evoking a volcanic eruption of emotion with exceptional restraint. Her performance not only brought the character to life on screen, but also captivated the Venice Film Festival jury and showcased the prowess of Chinese actresses on the international stage.
Xin Zhilei wins the trophy at the Venice Film Festival
At the Shanghai International Film Festival, Wan Qian won the Golden Goblet Award for Best Actress for her complex portrayal of a lonely, desperate character facing the end of her life in The Long Night. Wan Qian's performance in the film showcased a sharp and profound power, accurately capturing every emotional turn of events, allowing the audience to deeply connect with the character's resilience and helplessness. This also added a touch of color to Chinese films at the local A-level film festival.
Wan Qian wins award at Shanghai Film Festival
These three actresses shined at different A-class film festivals, which is not only a high recognition of their personal acting skills, but also fully demonstrated the growing influence and creative vitality of Chinese films in the international arena.