Summary of Key Highlights
The 31st Shanghai TV Festival's Baiyulan Awards were announced on June 26th, with "Taiping Nian" (Peaceful Years) emerging as the biggest winner, claiming all four major awards: Best Chinese Television Drama, Best Original Screenplay by a Writer, Best Supporting Actor, and International Communication Award. Yang Zi (from "Life Tree") became the first post-90s actress to win this award, while Yu Hewei (from "Silent Glory") won the Baiyulan Trophy for the third time. Chi Peng (from "Sheng Wan Wu Qi" / Creating All Things) and Dong Yong (from "Taiping Nian") received the Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor awards respectively. "Silent Glory" was honored with the Jury Award, and Li Xue (from "Life Tree") won the Best Director award. The overall winners recognized the innovative approach of historical dramas while highlighting the profound value of contemporary and undercover themes. The speeches from the award-winning actors conveyed their dedication, gratitude, and respect for their roles.
Detailed Analysis
1. "Taiping Nian": A Model of Historical Drama That Breaks Boundaries
The success of "Taiping Nian" in winning four awards lies in its ability to make history relatable to ordinary viewers. The story revolves around the late Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, when the king of Wuyue, Qian Hongchu, voluntarily surrendered his territory to the Song Dynasty, achieving unification without conflict—a historical event that may have previously gone unnoticed. The jury praised it for "illuminating the desire for peace in turbulent times," emphasizing that people across all eras yearn for a peaceful life, a message that resonated with the audience.
The drama also challenged traditional stereotypes of historical figures. For example, Dong Yong's portrayal of Feng Dao, who is described in historical records as a fickle official who changed allegiance several times, was transformed into a complex character who sought to preserve cultural heritage and save the people during chaos. Even the screenwriter noted that "when people think of Feng Dao, they think of Dong Yong." The film's international recognition demonstrates that such emotionally resonant historical stories can be understood by audiences worldwide.
2. Yang Zi: A Post-90s Actress Who Achieved Her Dream After Years of Hard Work
Yang Zi's win was particularly remarkable after four nominations and three consecutive years of competing for the Best Actress award. Her role as Bai Ju in "Life Tree," a woman who dedicates herself to ecological conservation on the plateau, showcased her genuine and resilient performance. Her acceptance speech was touching, expressing gratitude to her parents for supporting her dreams since she was five years old and acknowledging that hard work pays off. She once felt that luck was out of her reach, but now she knows that those with aspirations and effort will eventually be recognized—a message that resonates with many.
3. Yu Hewei: Three Awards, Three Different Heroes
Yu Hewei won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Wu Shi in "Silent Glory," his third Baiyulan Trophy (after previous wins for supporting and leading roles). Wu Shi represents an undercover hero, and the jury praised him for his restrained and enduring performance, especially the line "If I never return, then I will never return," which captured the calmness of a fearless hero. His humble acceptance speech reflected gratitude towards his team and the recognition that the sacrifices of unsung heroes deserve to be remembered.
4. Supporting Actor Awards: Veteran Actors with Authenticity and Humor
The supporting actor awards highlighted authenticity and contrast in performance:
- Chi Peng (Best Supporting Actress): Her portrayal of the "big-footed mother" in "Sheng Wan Wu Qi" was praised for its natural portrayal of a rural mother's resilience and love. She expressed her eagerness to return to acting immediately after receiving the award and mentioned how her friend Ni Ping felt disappointed by her previous lack of recognition, adding a touch of humility from a veteran actor.
- Dong Yong (Best Supporting Actor): His acceptance was humorous, reflecting years of hard work and the joy of finally winning an award. He joked that his daughter watched the ceremony to see her idol Zhang Linghe, but he credited her birth for bringing him good fortune, turning the formal occasion into a familial moment.
5. Jury Award: The Power of Undercover Themes
"Silent Glory" won the Jury Award for its portrayal of silent heroes who risked their lives for a cause without recognition. The jury noted that the drama's vivid details conveyed the dangers of underground work and helped viewers appreciate the peace we enjoy today. The award for Best Director, given to Li Xue (for "Life Tree"), highlighted how contemporary themes can be told with poetic depth, using the story of a girl's growth on the plateau to convey the importance of ecological conservation.
Conclusion
The Baiyulan Awards send several important messages: historical dramas should be emotionally engaging (not just about events), contemporary themes should connect with everyday life and emotions, and all actors, regardless of experience, must bring their characters to life with sincerity. These award-winning works are not only entertaining but also provide valuable insights into history and encourage us to cherish our current lives.