Winners of the 37th Golden Rooster Awards, one of China's most prestigious film honors, were announced Saturday at a star-studded ceremony in Xiamen, Fujian province. Zhang Yimou's "Article 20" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" claimed best feature film and best foreign language film, respectively.

Zhang Yimou accepts the best feature film award for "Article 20" at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

The top award winner, "Article 20," a comedy-drama starring Lei Jiayin and Ma Li, draws inspiration from Chinese law regarding legitimate defense. The film depicts prosecutors and citizens working together to defend social fairness and justice, weaving together themes of law, emotion and drama.

The award marks Zhang Yimou's 11th Golden Rooster trophy. "This ceremony brings filmmakers together to reflect on our achievements and inspire us to create more meaningful films for the public," he said. Zhang credited the actors for the film's success, praising their talent, improvisation and natural performances in conveying human nature's complexity, along with the spontaneous humor achieved during filming.

The jury praised the actors' authentic performances in "Article 20." Lei Jiayin earned the best actor award for his role, while Ma Li received a best actress nomination.

Chen Kaige accepts the best director award for "The Volunteers: To the War" at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

Renowned filmmaker Chen Kaige won the best director and special jury prize for "The Volunteers: To the War," the first installment of a war trilogy about the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53). The award marks Chen's third Golden Rooster directing trophy.

In his acceptance speech, Chen thanked his chief producer and wife, Chen Hong. "A female producer leading the team has completed such a heavy responsibility, highlighting the power of women," he said. He expressed gratitude to the cast and crew for their three-year commitment to the project. "All glory and honor belong to the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers; we made this film to ensure they will not be forgotten."

A Universal Pictures representative accepts the best foreign language film award for "Oppenheimer" at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning epic "Oppenheimer" won best foreign language film in a competitive field that included "Dune: Part Two," "Mothers' Instinct," "Kim's Video," and Russia's "The Challenge," the first film shot in space.

A Universal Pictures representative accepted the award for Nolan, noting the significance of recognition from a major film market of 1.4 billion people. "This movie is of great significance to our era. It not only brings a sensory shock to everyone on the screen but also has a profound impact on the soul. It reflects on civilization and scientific ethics, embodying the social responsibility of cinema and enhancing our social awareness," she said. 

Li Gengxi, 24, unexpectedly won best actress over veteran Ma Li for her performance in "Viva La Vida," a heartbreaking story about two young lovers suffering from fatal diseases. The film's director, Han Yan, also claimed the best screenwriter award.

Han Yan accepts the best screenwriter award for "Viva La Vida" at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

A total of 251 films competed for 21 Golden Rooster Award categories. "Viva La Vida" led the nominations with eight nods, followed by "Article 20" and "The Volunteers: To the War" with seven nominations each.

"I saw the nominations as the highlight of my life but never expected to win," Han said, expressing gratitude to the real-life inspirations behind his film, the actors and his family. "Thank you to the audience who loves and supports Chinese cinema; you are our sun. Thank you all, and please stay with us."

"Viva La Vida" is the final installment of director Han Yan's loosely connected "Life" trilogy, which also includes "Go Away! Mr. Tumor" and "A Little Red Flower." While the three films are not linked by story, they share a common meditation on life and death.

"Today is my 41st birthday, but it has another special meaning," Han said. "A decade ago, 'Go Away! Mr. Tumor' began my cinematic exploration of life's theme and its inspiration, comic book artist Xiong Dun, who died on this same day in 2012. I dedicate this award to her in heaven."

Fang Li accepts the best documentary award for "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

The best documentary award went to veteran producer and first-time director Fang Li for "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru." The documentary chronicles the heroic rescue of British prisoners of war by Chinese fishermen in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, after a Japanese cargo ship carrying the POWs was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine during World War II.

"I am deeply moved that the Golden Rooster Awards jury recognized and supported this film, which tells a global story from a unique perspective," Fang said. "It provides an opportunity for audiences worldwide to see this story that was buried for 82 years. With your support, our voice will grow louder and gradually be heard by the world."

Stars gather for a group photo at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

Other notable winners included "Pegasus 2," which earned awards for best recording and best art direction. "Endless Journey" received awards for best music and best supporting actor (Wang Xiao). Liu Dan won best supporting actress for "Gone with the Boat." "One and Only" claimed best cinematography, "No More Bets" took best editing, and the Sino-Spanish co-production "Dragon Keeper" won best animated feature.

Several specialty awards were presented, including best mid-and-small budget film for "Another Day of Hope," best opera film for "Madam Liang Hongyu," best children's film for "Football on the Roof" and best directorial debut for Zhang Yudi's "The Midsummer's Voice."

Screenwriter Xu Guangyao (in absentia) and filmmaker Xie Fei receive lifetime achievement awards at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

Legendary screenwriter Xu Guangyao, 99, and filmmaker Xie Fei, 82, received lifetime achievement awards from the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, which has sponsored the Golden Rooster Awards with the China Film Association since 1981.

"A Tapestry of a Legendary Land" musical dancers perform on stage during the 37th Golden Rooster Awards ceremony in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Organizing Committee]

The 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival ran in Xiamen from Nov. 13-16, featuring forums, a film market and film screenings. Xiamen has hosted the festival since 2019.

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