Taiwan arthouse films win Chinese 'Oscars'
The cream of Taiwanese cinema dominated this year's Golden Horse Film Awards, considered the Chinese-language equivalent of the Oscars, with two arthouse films scooping top honours Saturday.
Acclaimed Taiwanese director Chang Tso-chi collected his second best picture award for the family drama "When Love Comes," which led the race with 14 nominations and took another two technical prizes.
"I want to thank my team and my parents. I didn't let them down. I will continue to work hard," said Chang at the ceremony in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan.
Chang last won the coveted prize for the 2002 drama "The Best of Times"
Dark horse Chung Mong-hong, also from Taiwan, scored the surprise win of best director for "The Fourth Portrait," seeing off favourites Chang and Hong Kong's Teddy Chen ("Bodyguards and Assassins").
"I am so happy. This is such a surprise. I thought director Chang Tso-chi deserved it more," Chung said.
The film, which touched on social issues including child abuse and prostitution, also picked up awards for outstanding Taiwanese film of the year and best supporting actress for Hau Lei of China.
Chen's kung fu hit "Bodyguards and Assassins" surprisingly only walked away with one award for best make-up and costume design despite being a favourite among critics with nine nods.
Taiwan pop idol and former top model Ethan Juan claimed the best actor gong, beating three Chinese film veterans for his complex role in the hit gangster flick "Monga", set in Taipei a generation ago.
"I made a wish to start acting sometime ago but I never thought I would win the award," said the first-time winner.
China's Lu Liping was crowned best actress for her role in "City Monkey" as a struggling working-class single mother with a rebellious son.
"I get this encouragement at 50 years old. I am feeling really blessed," said Lu, her voice cracking with emotions.
She defeated the better known fellow Chinese actresses Tang Wei and Xu Fan as well as Taiwanese director/actress Sylvia Chang.
Best supporting actor also went to a Taiwanese, theatre actor Wu Peng-fon for his role in the black comedy "Seven Days in Heaven" about the island's unique funeral rites.
Hong Kong martial art master Sammo Hung won his second consecutive award for best action choreography for "Ip Man 2," the life story of the mentor of legendary kung fu star Bruce Lee.
Senior filmmaker Tu Duu-chih was recognised for best sound effects ("Monga") while his son Patrick Tu won best short film ("Magabahai") to become the first ever father-son duo winners.
More than 30 films were nominated in the 47th edition of the Golden Horse Awards, styled after the US Academy Awards but decided by a jury along the lines of the Cannes film festival.
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