“The Golden Horse Awards are often called the ‘Oscars of Mandarin-language cinema’.”
🐴 Golden Horse Awards (金馬獎)
Often dubbed the “Oscars of Mandarin-language cinema,” the Golden Horse Awards celebrate excellence in film production.
- Focus: Mandarin-language cinema (films where over half the dialogue is in Mandarin or another Chinese dialect).
- Established: 1962 in Taiwan.
- Significance: It is the oldest and one of the most respected film awards in the Mandarin-speaking world, contested by submissions from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, and other Chinese-speaking regions globally.
- The Name: The name “Golden Horse” (金馬, Jīnmǎ) is a blend of the names of two outlying Taiwanese islands: Kinmen (金門, Jīnmén) and Matsu (馬祖, Mǎzǔ).
- Scope: The awards are a part of the larger Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival (TGHFF), which includes the awards competition, a film festival, a film project promotion, and a film academy.
- Major Categories: Similar to the Academy Awards, categories include:
| 獎項分類 Award types | 中文名稱 (Pinyin) | Award in English |
| 🏆 影片類 Video type | 最佳劇情片 (Zuìjiā Jùqíng Piān) | Best Narrative Feature |
| 最佳紀錄片 (Zuìjiā Jìlù Piān) | Best Documentary Feature | |
| 最佳動畫片 (Zuìjiā Dònghuà Piān) | Best Animated Feature | |
| 最佳劇情短片 (Zuìjiā Jùqíng Duǎnpiān) | Best Live Action Short Film | |
| 最佳紀錄短片 (Zuìjiā Jìlù Duǎnpiān) | Best Documentary Short Film | |
| 最佳動畫短片 (Zuìjiā Dònghuà Duǎnpiān) | Best Animated Short Film | |
| 👤 個人表演與導演類 Personal acting & Directors | 最佳導演 (Zuìjiā Dǎoyǎn) | Best Director |
| 最佳男主角 (Zuìjiā Nánzhǔjiǎo) | Best Leading Actor | |
| 最佳女主角 (Zuìjiā Nǚzhǔjiǎo) | Best Leading Actress | |
| 最佳男配角 (Zuìjiā Nán Pèijiǎo) | Best Supporting Actor | |
| 最佳女配角 (Zuìjiā Nǚ Pèijiǎo) | Best Supporting Actress | |
| 最佳新導演 (Zuìjiā Xīn Dǎoyǎn) | Best New Director | |
| 最佳新演員 (Zuìjiā Xīn Yǎnyuán) | Best New Performer | |
| ✍️ 編劇類 Screenplay | 最佳原著劇本 (Zuìjiā Yuánzhù Jùběn) | Best Original Screenplay |
| 最佳改編劇本 (Zuìjiā Gǎibiān Jùběn) | Best Adapted Screenplay |
| 獎項名稱Award types | Award in English | 負責領域簡述 |
| 最佳攝影 (Zuìjiā Shèyǐng) | Best Cinematography | 影像的構圖、光影和色彩控制 |
| 最佳剪輯 (Zuìjiā Jiǎnjí) | Best Film Editing | 影片鏡頭的取捨和順序編排 |
| 最佳美術設計 (Zuìjiā Měishù Shèjì) | Best Art Direction | 影片的場景、道具和整體視覺環境設計 |
| 最佳造型設計 (Zuìjiā Zàoxíng Shèjì) | Best Makeup & Costume Design | 演員的化妝、髮型和服裝設計 |
| 最佳動作設計 (Zuìjiā Dòngzuò Shèjì) | Best Action Choreography | 影片中的武術、特技和動作場面設計 |
| 最佳視覺效果 (Zuìjiā Shìjué Xiàoguǒ) | Best Visual Effects | 電腦生成的影像和特效 |
| 最佳音效 (Zuìjiā Yīnxiào) | Best Sound Effects | 影片中的聲音處理、混音與效果 |
| 最佳原創電影音樂 (Zuìjiā Yuánchuàng Diànyǐng Yīnyuè) | Best Original Film Score | 為影片特別創作的配樂 |
| 最佳原創電影歌曲 (Zuìjiā Yuánchuàng Diànyǐng Gēqǔ) | Best Original Film Song | 為影片特別創作的主題曲或插曲 |
🎬 Directors (Best Director / Best Feature Film)
The Golden Horse Awards have long been the premier platform for Mandarin-speaking cinema, recognizing talents from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.
| Name | Key Wins / Significance | Country/Region |
| Ang Lee (李安) | A multiple winner for Best Director and Best Feature Film (e.g., Eat Drink Man Woman, Lust, Caution). He is one of the most internationally renowned Taiwanese directors. | Taiwan |
| Hou Hsiao-hsien (侯孝賢) | Known as a master of Taiwan’s “New Wave” cinema, he has won multiple times for Best Director and Feature Film (e.g., A City of Sadness, The Assassin). | Taiwan |
| Tsai Ming-liang (蔡明亮) | Though Taiwanese in practice, he is Malaysian-born and is one of the most decorated directors in the history of the awards, winning Best Director multiple times (e.g., Vive l’Amour, What Time Is It There?). | Taiwan, Malaysia |
| Wong Kar-wai (王家衛) | Celebrated for his highly stylized films, he won Best Director for his iconic work like Chungking Express and Happy Together. | Hong Kong |
| Ann Hui (許鞍華) | Holds the record for the most Best Director wins (4 wins) for films like Summer Snow and A Simple Life, demonstrating consistency and versatility. | Hong Kong |
| Zhang Yimou (張藝謀) | A globally recognized director, he won Best Director for Shadow (2018), marking a milestone in his long career. | China |
| Feng Xiaogang (馮小剛) | Known as the “Father of Chinese New Year films,” he won Best Leading Actor for Mr. Six (2015) and Best Feature Film for I Am Not Madame Bovary (2016). | China |
⭐ Actors and Actresses (Best Leading Actor/Actress)
| Name | Key Wins / Significance | Region |
| Maggie Cheung (張曼玉) | Holds the record for the most Best Leading Actress wins (4 wins), solidifying her status as an icon of Chinese cinema. | Hong Kong |
| Tony Leung Chiu-wai (梁朝偉) | A highly decorated actor with multiple Best Leading Actor wins (3 wins) for films like Chungking Express and Lust, Caution. | Hong Kong |
| Andy Lau Tak Wah(劉德華) | He has also won the prestigious Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actor two times, affirming his excellence in Mandarin-language cinema: Infernal Affairs III (無間道III：終極無間) (2004) A Simple Life (桃姐) (2011) | Hong Kong |
| Shu Qi (舒淇) | A contemporary star with multiple wins for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her enduring talent (e.g., Three Times, The Assassin). | Taiwan |
| Chow Yun-fat (周潤發) | Won Best Leading Actor multiple times (e.g., Hong Kong 1941, An Autumn’s Tale) before his move to Hollywood. | Hong Kong |
| Gong Li (鞏俐) | Though never winning Best Actress, she is one of the most nominated and internationally celebrated actresses from Mainland China, a constant fixture and jury president. | China |
| Zhou Xun (周迅) | One of the most talented contemporary actresses, she won Best Leading Actress for Perhaps Love (2006). | China |
| Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) | Won Best Leading Actress for the Malaysian-directed film Mother Bhumi (2025), highlighting the cross-region collaborations. | China |
🎬 Ang Lee (李安) – Director
Ang Lee is a globally acclaimed director born in Taiwan, whose body of work demonstrates extraordinary versatility and a deep understanding of human experience.
Versatile Filmography
Lee’s films seamlessly cross diverse genres and cultural landscapes, moving effortlessly between intimate family dramas, martial arts epics, romantic literature adaptations, and major Hollywood blockbusters. His notable works include:
- Eat Drink Man Woman (飲食男女 Yǐnshí nánnǚ): A quintessential family drama and the final film in his “Father Knows Best” trilogy.
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (臥虎藏龍 Wò hǔ cáng lóng ): A visually stunning martial arts film that achieved massive international success.
- Brokeback Mountain (斷背山 Duànbèi shān): A landmark romantic tragedy that garnered critical praise worldwide.
- Life of Pi (少年Pi的奇幻漂流 Shàonián Pi de qíhuàn piāoliú): A visually groundbreaking adventure and philosophical drama.
Golden Horse and International Status
Ang Lee is a symbolic figure connecting Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards with the international film world due to his deep involvement:
- He has been frequently nominated and invited to serve as a Jury Member and Chairperson of the Golden Horse Awards, lending immense prestige to the event.
- He is one of the most decorated directors globally, having won the prestigious Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Director twice (for Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi), in addition to numerous other major international honors, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
His ability to navigate both Mandarin-language and Western cinema while maintaining artistic integrity has made him a truly unique and influential figure in modern filmmaking.
⭐ Tony Leung Chiu-wai (梁朝偉) – Actor
Tony Leung Chiu-wai is a highly esteemed Hong Kong actor renowned internationally for his subtle and layered internal performances and his ability to embody a wide variety of roles.
梁朝偉資料照。（Victor Fraile/Getty Images）
Iconic Filmography
He is a favorite of major directors like Wong Kar-wai and Ang Lee, and his representative works showcase his profound emotional range:
- Chungking Express (重慶森林 chóngqìng sēnlín)
- Happy Together (春光乍洩 chūnguāng zhà xiè)
- In the Mood for Love (花樣年華 huāyàng niánhuá)
- Infernal Affairs (無間道 wújian daoˋ)
- Lust, Caution (色，戒 sè, jiè)
Record-Breaking Awards Status
Tony Leung is widely regarded as an acting benchmark in Chinese-language cinema and holds multiple major records:
- Golden Horse Awards Record: He holds the record for the most wins for Best Leading Actor at the Golden Horse Awards (3 wins), an unmatched achievement. His winning films are:
- Chungking Express 重慶森林 Chóngqìng sēnlín(1994)
- Infernal Affairs 無間道 Wújiàn dào (2003, for Infernal Affairs III)
- Lust, Caution 色戒 Sè jiè (2007)
- Hong Kong Film Awards Record: He is also the record holder for the most Best Actor wins at the Hong Kong Film Awards (5 wins), cementing his status as the most decorated leading actor in the region.
His remarkable command over character and emotion has established him as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history.
⭐ Shu Qi (舒淇) – Actress
Shu Qi is a leading actress of Taiwanese origin who is active in both Chinese-language and international cinema. She is celebrated for her versatile persona and nuanced acting skills. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous renowned directors, including Hou Hsiao-hsien and Feng Xiaogang.
Personal and Career Profile
- Origin: Born in New Taipei, Taiwan.
- Early Career & Breakthrough: Shu Qi rose rapidly to fame in Hong Kong and Taiwan in the 1990s.
- International Presence: She successfully entered the international market, starring in joint Chinese-foreign productions and English-language films such as The Transporter and Gorgeous.
- Status: She is considered one of the most representative leading actresses in Chinese-language cinema, frequently serving as a juror or guest at major international film festivals and awards ceremonies.
- Recent Development: In recent years, she has also debuted as a director, demonstrating her expanded skills across various domains of filmmaking.
Golden Horse Awards Wins and Nominations
Shu Qi holds a distinguished record at the Golden Horse Awards, showcasing her consistent strength and versatility:
- First Win (Best Supporting Actress): She won her first Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 35th Golden Horse Awards (1998) for the film Portland Street Blues (洪興十三妹Hóng xìng shísān mèi／古惑仔之姐妹篇之《洪兴十三妹》).
- Best Leading Actress Win: She won the Best Leading Actress award at the 42nd Golden Horse Awards (2005) for her role in director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s Three Times (最好的時光Zuì hǎo de shíguāng). This performance also earned her high critical praise at international film festivals.
- Multiple Best Actress Nominations: She has been nominated numerous times for the Best Leading Actress award, highlighting her long-term, stable presence in Chinese cinema. Notable nominated roles include:
- Three Times (最好的時光Zuì hǎo de shíguāng)
- Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (西遊·降魔篇Xīyóu·jiàngmó piān)
- The Assassin (刺客聶隱娘 cìkè nièyǐnniáng)
- The Village of No Return (健忘村jiànwàng cūn)
Shu Qi has won 1 Golden Horse Best Leading Actress Award and 1 Golden Horse Best Supporting Actress Award, along with multiple Best Actress nominations, solidifying her status as one of the most important contemporary Mandarin-language actresses.
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