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Taoyuan Film Awards: All acting winners absent, "One Life, Two Fates" takes Best Film

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The 2026 Taoyuan Film Festival awarded its top prizes, but surprisingly, all four acting award winners were absent.
  • Director Shen Ke-shang was a major winner, with his film "Deeply Quiet" taking home four awards, including Best Director.
  • The award for Best Film went to the transgender documentary "One Life, Two Fates," praised for its sensitive portrayal of identity struggles.

The 2026 Taoyuan Film Festival concluded with a surprising turn of events: all recipients of the four main acting awards were absent from the ceremony. Despite the no-shows, the festival celebrated cinematic achievements across various categories.

Boldly breaking the frame, calm with white space.

— JuryDescribing director Shen Ke-shang's filmmaking style in "Deeply Quiet."

Director Shen Ke-shang emerged as the biggest winner of the night. His film "Deeply Quiet" garnered an impressive four awards, including Best Director. The jury lauded Shen's "bold, frame-breaking style" and his ability to guide actors through themes of family silence and unspoken grief. Shen also won an award for his documentary "Dreaming in the Wilderness," making him the most decorated honoree of the festival.

"Deeply Quiet" also secured the Best Actress award for Ariel Lin, who was unable to attend. Shen accepted the award on her behalf, sharing that Lin dedicated herself intensely to the role, even seeking discussions with him after re-watching the film to identify areas for improvement. The Best Actor award went to Austin Lin for "96 Minutes," but he was in the United States and could not be present. The film "96 Minutes" also won Best Visual Effects, bringing its total to three awards.

The characters have real-life prototypes.

— Shen Ke-shangExplaining the basis for his film "Deeply Quiet" during his acceptance speech for Best Screenplay.

The coveted Best Film award was presented to "One Life, Two Fates," a documentary directed by Chen Kuan-chun. The film chronicles the journey of a transgender man named Birdy as he navigates gender identity, family expectations, and personal transformation. The jury commended the film for its nuanced approach, focusing on self-naming and life choices without resorting to sensationalism.

A very diligent actor.

— Shen Ke-shangPraising Ariel Lin's dedication to her role in "Deeply Quiet" after accepting her Best Actress award on her behalf.

This year's festival also introduced new categories, including Best Visual Effects, Animation, and a Taiwan Film Critics Association Award, expanding its scope. The festival jury included prominent figures like Lin Cheng-sheng, Lu Yi-ching, Lan Wei-hua, and Chen Min-lang, who selected the winners from 261 submissions.

His hands are very long, often hitting Lin Po-hung.

— Producer Zou Chien-chungJokingly describing Tsai Fan-hsi's energetic performance while praising him as an actor willing to give his all, after Tsai won Best Supporting Actor for "96 Minutes."
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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