China’s Xin Zhilei named best actress at Venice Film Festival

Chinese actress Xin Zhilei won the Volpi Cup for best actress at the 82nd Venice Film Festival in Italy on Sept. 6, for her performance in Cai Shangjun’s drama “The Sun Rises on Us All.” The honor made her the third Chinese actress in the festival’s history to receive the award, following Gong Li in 1992 and Deanie Ip in 2011.

Xin, 39, was recognized for her portrayal of a woman who reconnects with a former lover after seven years apart. The film, set in southern China, examines themes of reconciliation, regret and shifting identity as the two characters navigate the weight of their shared past.

In her acceptance speech, Xin highlighted both her personal achievement and the representation of Chinese actors on the global stage. “I am proud of myself. I am also proud to be a Chinese actress standing once again on the stage of the Venice Film Festival,” she said in Chinese. “If you have a dream, dare to imagine it and go after it.” “The Sun Rises on Us All” premiered in Venice on Sept. 5 in the main competition lineup.