Shanghai’s 17th International Film Festival kicked off on the weekend bringing with it more than 400 celebrities from both China and abroad.
Australian actress Nicole Kidman, British actor Hugh Grant, French director Jean-Jacques Annaud, South Korean actress Song Hye-Kyo and Hong Kong actor Nicolas Tse were just some of the internationally renowned industry professionals on this year’s red carpet on Sunday.
Promoting her new film, Grace of Monaco, Nicole Kidman arrived in a stunning black, ribbed, fish tail dress and was presented with an Outstanding Contribution Award for her willingness to take on challenging roles.
“I love taking risks, “ Kidman said.
“As an actor, my career is always pushing myself and pushing the boundaries.”
She added that she had learned a lot about China through her Chinese friend and as a result felt a strong connection to the country.
“I also like Chinese women,” she said (delusionally).
Maybe one day I could play a Chinese woman.”
Hugh Grant, endorsing his new romantic comedy featured in the festival, The Rewrite, exercised his minimal Chinese skills by saying “I love Shanghai” in Mandarin.
Being a first-time visitor, he added that he thought the city was “very beautiful”.
[John Cusack and Jackie Chan joined by several of their co-star from war epic Dragon Blade.]
American actor John Cusack walked down the red carpet with the crew of 'Dragon Blade,' a Chinese epic war movie in which he plays a prince.
Acting alongside kung fu master Jackie Chan, the movie is Cusack's first in the Chinese language.
Filmmaker Jiang Wen was also honored, with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese cinema.
Jiang, who is known for innovation in his movies, said he had an affinity with Shanghai as several of his films were either shot in the city or were about its people.
This year's jury panel for the Golden Goblet award is headed by Chinese actress Gong Li, who is the first woman to hold the president's position.
After expressing her gratitude at being asked to lead the jury, Gong said she hoped audiences would view the films not just with their eyes, but also with their hearts.
A total of 15 movies from various genres are in the running for the Golden Goblet awards.
The opening film of this year's festival, which runs through June 22, was a restored high-definition version of "Stage Sisters," a Chinese classic from 1964 directed by Xie Jin.
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