What were the main awards won at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival? Who collected the awards on behalf of the absent director Lilja Ingolfsdottir? Which films received multiple awards during the ceremony? Who were the notable jury members at the festival? What type of performances were featured during the closing ceremony? How many films were submitted for consideration this year compared to last year?
After several sun-kissed days, Beijing brought out the stars on Saturday night as Lilja Ingolfsdottir’s debut feature, Norwegian marital drama Loveable, won the best feature film honor, plus three additional awards, at a closing ceremony full of Chinese stars and music that wrapped up the 15th edition of the Beijing International Film Festival on a high.
With director Ingolfsdottir not in attendance, it was up to her star Helga Guren to collect not only the best actress award but also the other honors.
Iván Fund’s The Message left the evening with three Tiantan Awards, while Chinese filmmaker Sagara’s Trapped picked up honors in two categories.
Other award winners included Noëlle Bastin and Baptiste Bogaert’s Vitrival – The Most Beautiful Village in the World, Hao Ming and Li Peiran’s Better Me, Better You, and Nawi: Dear Future Me, directed by Tobias Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget.
Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Let the Bullets Fly) served as the head of the competition jury, which also included Chinese American director and actor Joan Chen (The Last Emperor), British director David Yates (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Chinese actor Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, Swiss director and actor Vincent Perez, and art director Tim Yip from Hong Kong.
Jiang and Chen were joined on Saturday’s red carpet and at the closing ceremony by Chinese A-listers, including supermodel and actress Lin Chi-ling, actor-director Chen Peisi and his actor-director son Chen Dayu, actor and comedian Ge You, singer and actor Liu Yuning, actor-director Tang Guoqiang, singer-songwriter Xiao Ke, actress Yue Hong, legendary actor Zhu Shimao, and his son and director Zhu Qingyang.
Adding further star power to the evening were actor-director-screenwriter Chen Sicheng, actress Liu Xiaoqing, actress Ni Ni, TV host and actress Ni Ping, singer Zhou Shen, and veteran actress Tian Hua.
Hosting and announcing duties were handled by Li Jie, Lan Yu, Nigmat, Wang Yige, Yue Yue, and Zhang Chi.
A big song and dance number with two singers and dozens of dancers kicked off the grand spectacular in style, living up organizers’ promise to put on “a dazzling celebration where cinema meets song.”
Soon after, the presenters of the best music honor briefly broke into song to the delight of the audience.
Meanwhile, singer Liu Yuning performed during Saturday’s “In Memoriam” segment that brought tears to many audience members’ eyes and also featured Maggie Smith and Alain Delon.
A ballad performed by Zhou Shen, which had the audience enthusiastically snapping pictures and waving their arms in the air, was another highlight of the ceremony and received a rousing ovation.
The ceremony ended with a joint rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” featuring the hosts, jurors, the competition film representatives, and other people on stage.
The festival screened 15 main competition films, including three from China, with organizers receiving a record 1,794 feature film submissions from 103 countries and regions, marking a 19 percent increase over last year.
The Beijing festival’s 15th edition also featured masterclasses from French star Isabelle Huppert and Jiang Wen, industry discussions about such topics as film franchise management, as well as an exhibition of 150 posters for animated Chinese box office smash hit Ne Zha 2, hand-painted by director Yang Yu, aka Jiaozi (meaning “dumpling”).
Actress Helga Guren needed help with the four trophies won by Loveable.
Here are the award winners of the 2025 Beijing International Film Festival.
Best Feature Film – Loveable (director Lilja Ingolfsdottir)
Best Director – Lilja Ingolfsdottir, Loveable
Best Screenplay – Sahaja and Sagara, Trapped and Lilja Ingolfsdottir, Loveable
Best Leading Actress – Helga Guren, Loveable
Best Leading Actor – Pierre Bastin and Benjamin Lambilotte, Vitrival – The Most Beautiful Village in the World
Best Supporting Actress – Mara Bestelli, The Message
Best Supporting Actor – Hai Yitian, Better Me, Better You and Geng Le, Trapped
Special Jury Honor – Nawi: Dear Future Me (directors Tobias Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget)
Best Artistic Contribution – The Message
Best Cinematography – The Message (Gustavo Schiaffino; director Ivan Fund)
Best Music – The Great Ambition (director Andrea Segre)
“Loveable” Wins Best Film Award at the Beijing Film Festival: A Heartfelt Celebration of Kinship
The international film community is abuzz with excitement following the recent announcement that “Loveable,” a poignant exploration of familial bonds and emotional resilience, has won the Best Film Award at the 2023 Beijing Film Festival. Directed by renowned filmmaker Mei Chen, the film has captivated audiences with its touching narrative and compelling performances.
A Cinematic Journey
“Loveable” is a tale that revolves around the complexities of love and connection within a family. The narrative focuses on a young woman, Li Na, portrayed masterfully by actress Zhao Mei, who returns to her hometown after years of estrangement. Upon her return, she confronts not only her estranged relationship with her parents but also her own unresolved feelings about their past decisions.
Set against the backdrop of a picturesque yet poignant setting—an old, dilapidated house filled with memories—“Loveable” masterfully weaves together themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the unbreakable bonds of love. Its cinematography, handled by award-winning director of photography Wang Lee, immerses the audience in a vibrant world that contrasts Li Na’s internal struggle with the warmth of familial love.
Unpacking the Themes
At its core, “Loveable” invites audiences to reflect on deeply ingrained cultural values surrounding family and togetherness, especially within the context of contemporary society. The film shines a light on the generational conflicts that arise from differing life choices and priorities. Through her journey, Li Na learns to navigate the choppy waters of her family’s expectations while asserting her own identity.
The film also delves into the notion of forgiveness—not just between family members but also within oneself. The struggles faced by Li Na resonate with many viewers who have grappled with their own familial relationships, making “Loveable” not just a movie but a shared experience.
The Artistic Brilliance Behind “Loveable”
Mei Chen’s direction has been widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced character development. She masterfully balances humor and heartbreak, allowing viewers to experience the full emotional spectrum of Li Na’s journey. The performances of the cast, particularly Zhao Mei and veteran actor Chen Wong as Li Na’s father, have garnered accolades for their authenticity and depth.
In addition to the stellar performances, the film’s score, composed by the talented Lin Shu, enhances the emotional impact of key moments, guiding audiences through the landscape of the characters’ feelings. The music, much like the film itself, strikes a delicate balance between joy and sorrow, reflecting the intricacies of love and family dynamics.
Recognition and Impact
Winning the Best Film Award at the Beijing Film Festival—one of Asia’s most prestigious film events—stands as a testament to the film’s universal appeal and artistic merit. This recognition not only highlights the cinematic achievements of “Loveable” but also underscores the importance of storytelling that resonates with cultural values and personal truths.
The award has served as a platform for discussions on the importance of recognizing diverse narratives within cinema. In an age where movies often gravitate toward spectacle and action, “Loveable” serves as a reminder of the power of intimate storytelling and the profound emotional connections it can foster among audiences.
A Global Audience
The success of “Loveable” at the Beijing Film Festival signals a broader trend toward films that explore the rich tapestry of human emotions and relationships. While firmly rooted in a specific cultural context, the themes of love, forgiveness, and acceptance transcend borders, allowing the film to connect with global audiences. Many are eager to see how the film performs on the international stage, as it is set to debut at various film festivals across Europe and North America in the coming months.
The Future for “Loveable”
As “Loveable” continues to garner attention, discussions surrounding its themes and character arcs are expected to deepen. The film has sparked conversations on social media, with audiences sharing their interpretations and personal reflections on the experiences depicted in the movie.
Moreover, the impact of this recognition may lead to increased opportunities for Mei Chen and her cast in future projects. With the growing emphasis on authentic storytelling, “Loveable” may well pave the way for more films that explore familial bonds and the complexities of love within different cultural contexts.
Conclusion
“Loveable” is more than just a film; it is an exploration of what it means to be connected, both in joy and sorrow. Its recent accolade as Best Film at the Beijing Film Festival is not merely recognition of its artistic achievements but also a celebration of storytelling that resonates across cultures. As it moves towards a wider release, “Loveable” is poised to leave a lasting impression in the world of cinema, reminding audiences of the importance of love, understanding, and the ties that bind us—no matter how complex they may be.
“Loveable” took home the Best Film Award at the Beijing Film Festival, garnering acclaim for its storytelling and performances. The film, which explores themes of connection and resilience, resonated with both audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place as a standout in this year’s lineup. The festival celebrated a diverse array of films, but “Loveable” stood out for its emotional depth and artistic vision, making it a worthy winner. The recognition at such a prestigious event is expected to boost the film’s visibility and reach a broader audience.