Joan Chen denies stealing Gong Li's glory

27 Nov – Joan Chen has recently dismissed rumours saying that her rivalry with Gong Li had cost the latter her Best Actress award, as reported on Mingpao News.

The Chinese-American film director, who helmed the panel of jury for the 51st Golden Horse Awards recently, was previously rumoured to be at odds with the Chinese actress.

Though both stars have denied the rumours, Gong's recent loss to Taiwanese actress Chen Shiang-chyi has re-sparked rumours of their conflict, with Gong's fans claiming that it was Joan who voted against her.

However, Joan has turned to her social network account to dispel the rumours, saying, "I have always appreciated and admired Gong Li's performance, and considers her acting in "Coming Home" as accurate and moving. That is why I cast my vote for her."

Joan said that it is normal for people to accuse an award show for being unfair after the results were announced, especially when their favourite star did not win - and the Golden Horse is no exception.

The director said that the panel of jury consists of filmmakers and professionals from the industry that hailed from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and around the world, and that they cast their votes in a transparent and democratic process, free from outside interference.

(Photo source: critique-film.fr)