11th Wenrong Awards honor young TV, film talent

The 11th Wenrong Awards were presented Nov. 1 at Hengdian World Studios, known as "China's Hollywood," honoring young television and film talent and outstanding works, including the film "The Shadow's Edge" and TV series "Silent Honor."

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]

The hit spy drama "Silent Honor," broadcast on CCTV-8 and streaming platform iQiyi, won the top series award. The series depicts covert operations around the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949-50, based on real accounts of intelligence officers Gen. Wu Shi, Zhu Feng, Chen Baocang and Nie Xi who transmitted crucial information to the Chinese mainland during the final phase of the civil war. The series has become a cultural phenomenon while attracting more tourists to Hengdian.

Director Yang Yazhou said backstage that the drama tells the story of unsung heroes on the hidden frontlines who worked silently for China's unification and the liberation of Taiwan.

"Though unknown to the public, they accomplished extraordinary deeds," he said. "I believe there is special significance in bringing this forgotten history to light for today's audience."

Its cinematographer, Li Huan, also received the award for dedicated cinematography director of the year.

Zhang Youhao won young film actor of the year for "The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death," while Deng Jiajia took young film actress of the year for "Stand By Me." Larry Yang received young film director of the year for "The Shadow's Edge," a film starring Jackie Chan that achieved both critical acclaim and box office success this year.

Tony Leung receives the outstanding achievement award at the 11th Wenrong Awards in Hengdian, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, Nov. 1, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the 2025 Hengdian Film & TV Festival Organizing Committee]

Director Yang revealed that his team is already working on a sequel. "We will work hard to tell another great story that will not disappoint you," he said.

He credited Jackie Chan as a stunt safety pioneer whose advocacy revolutionized action training and introduced protective equipment from Hollywood. Yang also highlighted industry advancements in shooting equipment and on-set monitoring systems that expand creative possibilities.

Hong Kong legend Tony Leung, another lead actor in "The Shadow's Edge," received the outstanding achievement award, a new honor established this year.

In the TV and online series category, Liu Xueyi won young series actor of the year for "A Moment but Forever," while Rayzha Alimjan took young series actress of the year for "Wild Ambition Bloom." The young series directors of the year honor was shared by Cao Yiwen for "Legend of Zang Hai" and Guo Hu for "A Dream Within a Dream."

Deng Jiajia receives the young film actress of the year award at the 11th Wenrong Awards in Hengdian, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, Nov. 1, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the 2025 Hengdian Film & TV Festival Organizing Committee]

This year's Wenrong Awards continued their focus on young film and TV talent, with 19 actors recognized for their potential, charm and breakthroughs across youth categories, including Xin Yunlai and Yang Xuwen.

Awards also went to outstanding behind-the-scenes staff from the films "Dongji Rescue," "Detective Chinatown 1900," "Dead to Rights" and "Successor," as well as series "Legend of Zang Hai," "Silent Honor," "Sijin" and "When Destiny Brings the Demon."

Four background actors received the Best Hengpiao (Hengdian Drifter) Actor Award , which recognizes performers who travel far from their hometowns for work in Hengdian but rarely receive speaking roles or screen credit.

The unit also honored series that contributed to cultural tourism, including "Youthful Glory," "Love Game in Eastern Fantasy," "The Glory" and "The Prisoner of Beauty." Platform-specific recommendations included "Melody of Golden Age" on Mango TV, "She and Her Girls" on Tencent Video, "This Thriving Land" on iQiyi and "Legend of Zang Hai" on Youku.

Renowned director Jia Zhangke (center) leads the Wenrong Awards jury greeting the audience during the 11th Wenrong Awards in Hengdian, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, Nov. 1, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the 2025 Hengdian Film & TV Festival Organizing Committee]

Hengdian World Studios, the world's largest film and television production base located in east China's Zhejiang province, hosts hundreds of crews annually and has launched numerous hit series, films and acting careers. Award winners shared their experiences and gratitude at Saturday's ceremony.