Weng Chien-yu Wins Best Actress, Celebrates 60 Years in Entertainment

Veteran Taiwanese actress and singer Weng Chien-yu has been honored with the Best Actress award at the Taiwan Film Critics Society Awards for her poignant portrayal of "Grandma Yu Ying" in the film "Sunshine Girls Choir." The role has deeply moved audiences, and Weng expressed her delight at being recognized by younger generations, stating, "I used to be known mostly by people of my own generation, but now I have the chance to be known by young friends, which makes me very happy."

This award marks a significant high point in her career, which she describes as the "climax of the latter half of my life" in 2026. Weng shared insights into her meticulous preparation for the role, which required her to appear tired and weathered due to the character's long imprisonment. The film's crew opted for a natural look, using brow tint to whiten her hair strand by strand instead of a wig. This process alone took nearly an hour daily, leaving her hair stiff with gel. Washing her hair after filming was a 30-minute ordeal, requiring her to soften it first.

“

I used to be known mostly by people of my own generation, but now I have the chance to be known by young friends, which makes me very happy.

Despite the demanding nature of the role, Weng insisted on performing a fight scene herself, emphasizing, "My movements have my own characteristics; people know immediately if it's me or not. For the good of the film, I felt it was necessary!" Her dedication to her craft is evident.

“

2026 is the climax of the latter half of my life.

Beyond her acting, Weng is also celebrating her 60th anniversary in the entertainment industry. After a large concert in Kaohsiung last year, she initially felt she had fulfilled her ambitions. However, due to fan anticipation, she has decided to hold two more concerts: one in Taipei in August and another in Taichung in November. To maintain her stamina for these performances, she practices qi gong, Pilates, and squats, while also enjoying walks with her dog and sun exposure for Vitamin D, which aids sleep and vocalization.

Weng also shared her dietary habits, which she has followed since age 30: eating vegetables first, then protein, and finally carbohydrates, always stopping at 70% fullness. She also demonstrated a "cold salad of watermelon rind," a refreshing summer dish. Her grandmother's Tainan heritage means Weng has a particular fondness for Tainan cuisine, often requesting it when she returns to Taiwan.

“

My movements have my own characteristics; people know immediately if it's me or not. For the good of the film, I felt it was necessary!