The nominations of the Golden Rooster Film Awards have been announced. The rooster is one of China’s biggest film awards and coveted by many filmmakers. This year, renowned director Feng Xiaogang’s "Back to 1942" is leading the race with eight nominations.
A celebration of Chinese motion pictures. Held every two years, the Golden Rooster Film Awards put quality motion pictures under the spotlight, with nominations in 18 categories.
Blockbusters are dominating this year. Renowned director Feng Xiaogang’s disaster drama "Back to 1942" has snatched eight nominations, including best film, best director and best actor. Hong Kong director Peter Chan’s "American Dreams in China", Ann Hui’s "A Simple Life" and Wong Kar-wai’s "The Grandmaster" are also fronting the race.
However, small budget productions are by no means out of the running. Five are nominated, with "Feng Shui" directed by Wang Jing receiving seven nominations, including best director, best script, and best actress.
"Good films don’t always perform well in the box office. But they are certainly not neglected at the Golden Rooster Awards," said Kang Jianmin from China Filmmakers Association.
"It's a platform to present quality films by professional standards, and I think good films deserve more attention from audiences and the theatres."
The award was established in 1981, the year of the rooster on the Chinese zodiac, and is the most prestigious film award in China.
This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony in Wuhan on September 28th.