Huayu Entertainment: The Birth of a Succubus Top Star

The venue lights slowly dimmed, and the awards ceremony officially began.

Ten films, including "Article 10", "The Wandering Earth 2", "The Third Brigade", and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Chaoge", won the Outstanding Feature Film award.

Guo Fan won the Best Director Award for "The Wandering Earth 2", while Dong Runnian and Ying Luojia won the Best Screenplay Award for "The Annual Meeting Cannot Stop!"

In recognition of the outstanding performance of the film "Ne Zha" in domestic and international markets since the 2025 Spring Festival, the National Film Administration has awarded "Ne Zha" a special contribution film honorary certificate.

At this point, the film's box office had exceeded 156 billion, ranking 5th in the global box office.

This award was added by the organizing committee at the last minute, and the unexpected win of "Ne Zha 2" has sparked heated discussions.

After the awards ceremony, the spotlight shone back on the stage, where Shen Teng and Ren Suxi took to the stage side by side to announce the winners of this year's Huabiao Awards for Outstanding Actress.

Shen Teng calmly finished her self-introduction, and as soon as she finished speaking, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

He stared blankly for five seconds, gazing silently at the audience, not continuing his lines for a long time, the microphone silent. The conversations in the vast venue gradually faded, the atmosphere subtle.

Ren Suxi, standing beside him, tensed up and quietly nudged him with her elbow, whispering a reminder. Only then did Shen Teng look down at the cue cards in his hand and slowly continue delivering his award speech.

This highly controversial five-second pause was captured on camera. Some people thought it was a comedic punchline carefully designed by Shen Teng, while others bluntly said that on a solemn national awards stage, the long pause was almost a textbook example of awkward silence.

The clip, once leaked, sparked another round of online discussion.

From below the stage, Zhang Ziyi looked towards the stage and said, "Shen Teng's five-second pause is probably going to trend on social media again tonight."

Gu Zhiyan looked up at the stage and said calmly, "The stage rhythm of comedians is very special. The same pause is a clever idea on the comedy stage, but when placed in a solemn awards ceremony, it can easily generate two completely different evaluations."

He didn't really want to talk to Zhang Ziyi, but this woman just kept nagging him.

He was unlucky to be seated next to her.

Although this woman's work, public image, and professional reputation have all declined in recent years—simply put, she's completely finished—she still has a solid foundation and the title of "International Zhang," so she still consistently ranks in the first row at various large-scale events in the entertainment industry.

In recent years, "noble" movie stars and international film queens have started to maintain their exposure by frequently appearing on variety shows and "condescending" to star in TV dramas.

Well, the only TV series she starred in since her debut was a complete flop. At 38, she was forced to play a 15-year-old girl, and her facial expressions and demeanor were so unnatural that it sparked widespread ridicule online.

Even more damaging was her previous advice to young actors on "I Am an Actor" to "not take on roles that are not suitable for them," a stark contrast to her words and actions that caused her public image to plummet.

Meanwhile, the arrogant attitude of variety show mentors, who frequently lectured on their own masterpieces, exacerbated audience resentment.

TV dramas have flopped, movies have been box office flops, and public image has continued to decline – this is Zhang Ziyi's current situation.

Throughout the awards ceremony, Zhang Ziyi's words implied that she wanted to collaborate with Gu Zhiyan, clearly indicating her intention to curry favor with him and achieve a comeback against all odds.

After all, as long as Gu Zhiyan stars in it, whether it's a movie or a TV series, it means a "huge hit".

Gu Zhiyan didn't even bother with her. Of course, it wasn't because she was no longer capable; it was mainly because Gu Zhiyan didn't like her. This woman was too ambitious, did things by any means necessary, and had a terrible reputation.

Gu Zhiyan is currently more concerned about the state of her older sister, Yin Tao.

Since the winners of the Best Actress award have been announced, Sister Yin Tao missed out on the Best Actress award. The winner was Kara Hui, who at 65 years old became the first Hong Kong actress to win the Huabiao Award.

Gu Zhiyan glanced at Yin Tao, who was smiling and clapping. Although her expression couldn't hide her disappointment, she seemed to be in good spirits.

As for her true feelings at this moment, that remains unknown. As a professional actress, she has a firm grasp on facial expressions.

Regardless of the situation, Gu Zhiyan planned to comfort her properly tonight.

While everyone was still discussing it, the solemn announcement of the program began.

The most prestigious award of the night—the Feitian Award for Outstanding Actor—is presented.

The spotlight suddenly narrowed, the lights in the entire venue softened and dimmed, leaving only a single, bright spotlight steadily positioned in the center of the stage.

Two highly respected senior figures in the Chinese film industry, Li Xuejian and Chen Daoming, walked slowly onto the stage side by side.

The two veteran artists, dressed in formal attire, stood upright and exuded a refined air. Holding their honorary cards, their gazes were gentle and composed, instantly bringing the entire room to a solemn silence, where all idle chatter and whispers vanished.

All eyes were focused on the stage, and the big screen slowly played a montage of the nominated actors' wonderful works, each frame a masterpiece of the year.

After a brief introduction, Teacher Li Xuejian began to read the review comments in a deep and gentle voice, each word resounding and powerful.

As the comments concluded, Chen Daoming raised his hand to reveal the list of winners, his voice steady and calm:

The winner of the 20th Huabiao Awards for Outstanding Actor is—

Chen Daoming paused for a moment, then he and Li Xuejian announced together: "Gu Zhiyan!"

The moment the words fell!

The entire venue suddenly exploded!

After a moment of silence, thunderous applause swept through the entire venue, a thunderous roar that lasted for a long time.

Veteran filmmakers, middle-aged actors, rising stars, all guests and staff in the audience stood up; no one sat down.

Applause, cheers, and exclamations mingled together, echoing throughout the brightly lit venue, creating a powerful and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

This was the longest, most unified, and most heartfelt standing ovation of the entire evening.

Everyone knows that the Feitian Award is the highest individual honor of the Huabiao Awards, symbolizing the highest level, contemporary value, and artistic height of Chinese-language male actors in the year.

Gu Zhiyan, with four Golden Rooster Awards, three Hundred Flowers Awards, and today's Huabiao Award for Best Actor, has won all three major awards twice or more, achieving an unprecedented grand slam of the three major Chinese film awards. In the history of Chinese cinema, no one else has accomplished this feat!

Under the watchful eyes of the entire audience, Gu Zhiyan slowly stood up.

He was dressed in a sharp dark suit, with a tall and upright posture, and gentle and calm eyes. He had shed the relaxed and casual demeanor he had just displayed backstage and exuded the poise and composure that a top filmmaker had cultivated over many years.

He first turned to the side and nodded slightly to his juniors and colleagues, then bowed slightly to the senior film figures in the front row, showing perfect manners and elegant demeanor.

Amidst continuous and enthusiastic applause from the audience, he walked steadily forward, step by step, onto the stage.

As Gu Zhiyan approached the two seniors, she bowed slightly and deeply.

With a respectful and humble demeanor, he solemnly accepted the weighty trophy of honor.

Li Xuejian patted him on the shoulder, his eyes full of praise and satisfaction: "The younger generation is truly formidable."

Chen Daoming looked at him, smiled and nodded, his tone firm: "Well deserved."

The recognition from these two veteran artists is the highest honor bestowed upon us tonight.