Chinese actress Xin Zhilei has brought home the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival for her performance in “The Sun Rises on Us All” alongside Italian actor Toni Servillo who won Best Actor for his performance in “La Grazia”.
Xin Zhilei landing the top awards at the festival makes her the third Chinese-language actress to receive the award, following Gong Li in 1992 and Hong Kong actress Deanie Ip in 2011. In the film, Xin portrays Meiyun, a woman navigating deep emotional and moral struggles in contemporary China. Though the film received mixed reviews—Xin’s performance stood out so strongly that even international jurors were convinced.
Reflecting on her early career struggles and her dream to become a star, Xin Zhilei declared during her acceptance speech, “If you have a dream, go for it—what if it comes true?” The 39-year-old actress also did a sweet shoutout to her mother: “Mom, look at my trophy!” Her win ends a 14-year gap since a Chinese-language actress last claimed the Venice title. It has also shaken up the hierarchy of popular mainland actresses, with Xin Zhilei now viewed among the top actresses of “post-85” generation.
Photo: Xin Zhi Lei Studio
XZF
Congratulations to XZL!