Summary of Key Points
This report chronicles the career of actress Liu Dan, who went from being an unknown talent for over two decades to becoming a sensation thanks to her role as "Pot Aunt" in the drama *The Beginning*, winning the Best Supporting Actress award at the Baiyulan Awards. She later returned to the awards as a judge, embodying the philosophy that great actors take time to refine their skills and wait for the right opportunities. Her story highlights the importance of focusing on quality over instant fame, persisting in stage plays and niche roles, staying grounded after achieving success, being open to new industry trends (such as short-form dramas and AI), and using a meaningful life as the foundation for profound performances.
From Award Stage to Judge’s Seat: A Change in Role, but Not in Commitment
Liu Dan was surprised when she won the Baiyulan Supporting Actress award three years ago; however, now serving as a judge, she feels cautious. She has watched nearly 500 competing dramas and constantly questions whether she is capable of making fair judgments. Her criteria are practical: a role must be "emotional and impactful," with the protagonist assessed based on the overall development of their character, and supporting characters on their ability to fulfill their limited roles effectively. For example, Yang Zi’s win for Best Actress in *The Tree of Life* met her standards of being both engaging and well-developed (Yang Zi’s multiple nominations and eventual victory also demonstrate that great roles require time to come to life). This audience-centered approach aligns with her original intention as an actress: to avoid gimmicks and focus on authenticity.
Over Two Decades of Waiting: Not Just Waiting for Opportunities, but Building Skills
Born into a family of orthopedic doctors, Liu Dan was influenced by her father’s advice to pay attention to ordinary people. Her teacher at the Beijing Film Academy told her, "You lack time; you need to grow slowly." After graduation, she didn’t sign with an agency and dedicated herself to stage plays for over two decades. Rehearsals involved meticulous script work and attention to detail, which became the foundation of her acting skills (plays like *No Place to Bury* and *Goodnight, Mom* helped her understand character motivations). During this period, she appeared in many niche films that won international awards but were not widely known, even taking on less prominent roles for no pay. She saw these challenges as opportunities to truly experience life and develop her craft.
The Rise of "Pot Aunt": A Classic Role Born from Years of Preparation
The character of Pot Aunt Tao Yinghong in *The Beginning* (2022) made Liu Dan a household name. This complex role, portraying a woman going mad after losing her daughter, was brought to life through detailed portrayal—she changed into a neat suit and applied lipstick before death, and imagined her daughter’s smile when arrested. The audience embraced the nickname "Pot Aunt," which she saw as a blessing (to have a classic role in one’s career). However, she realized that winning many similar roles meant she hadn’t done enough and needed to explore more possibilities. Later, her performance as Su Nianzhen in *Set Sail* won her another Best Supporting Actress award; the jury praised her for her restraint and emotional control, reflecting years of character understanding rather than mere acting.
Embracing Change: Open-Minded and Unworrying
Liu Dan is open to new forms of entertainment like vertical-screen short dramas (such as *Greedy Snake*), believing that the medium itself doesn’t matter as long as it’s appropriate. Despite the challenges of shooting in vertical format with limited budgets, she sees them as opportunities for growth. She remains calm about the rise of AI-powered actors, emphasizing that real humans, with their flaws, are more authentic. As a judge, she acknowledges her own limitations and is always eager to learn.
Career Values: Growth Matters More Than Awards
For Liu Dan, winning awards is rewarding, but the true goal is personal growth. She avoids the label of a "veteran actress" and strives to stay innovative. Her career shows that great actors don’t become famous overnight; they become the characters they portray through consistent effort. This principle applies to all fields: enduring loneliness and self-improvement will eventually lead to recognition.
While this report doesn’t discuss finance, Liu Dan’s story illustrates a fundamental principle of professional growth—focusing on long-term value rather than short-term popularity, using perseverance to navigate uncertainties, similar to the economic concept that "slow-moving factors often outperform rapid ones." Her journey inspires those working in any industry: as long as you’re on the right path, it’s okay to take your time.