11th Wenrong Awards honor young TV, film talent

The 11th Wenrong Awards were held Nov. 1 at Hengdian World Studios, honoring outstanding young talent in Chinese film and television.

Top honors went to the hit spy drama Silent Honor, which aired on CCTV-8 and iQiyi. The series, based on real intelligence missions during China’s civil war, has captivated audiences and boosted tourism in Hengdian.

Director Yang Yazhou said the show highlights unsung heroes who worked silently for China’s unification. Cinematographer Li Huan also received recognition for his work on the series.

In film, Zhang Youhao won Young Actor of the Year for The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death, while Deng Jiajia earned Young Actress of the Year for Stand By Me. Larry Yang took Young Director of the Year for

The Shadow’s Edge, starring Jackie Chan. Tony Leung received the newly established Outstanding Achievement Award.

Director Yang Yazhou speaks as the "Silent Honor" crew receives the top honor at the 11th Wenrong Awards in Hengdian, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, Nov. 1, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the 2025 Hengdian Film & TV Festival Organizing Committee]

Other winners included Liu Xueyi and Rayzha Alimjan for young series acting, with Cao Yiwen and Guo Hu sharing Young Series Director honors. A special Best Hengpiao Actor Award recognized background performers who travel to Hengdian for work but rarely appear on screen.

The awards celebrated both emerging talent and productions that contribute to cultural tourism, reinforcing Hengdian’s status as China’s “Hollywood.”