The 2025 Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) concluded on November 5, yet controversy surrounding its awards continues to ripple across the Chinese entertainment scene. Acclaimed actress Bai Baihe has become the center of attention after she disclosed a series of disturbing behind-the-scenes incidents related to her participation in the festival.
This year, Bai Baihe’s film Mothertongue was shortlisted for the main competition at TIFF. However, despite high expectations, she walked away empty-handed, while her co-star Wang Chuanjun received the Best Actor Award.
Prior to the ceremony, Bai Baihe had already raised eyebrows with cryptic posts on social media, writing messages such as “Is this really how things are done?” and “Burning the bridge after crossing the river.” These statements led to widespread speculation that the production team had treated her unfairly, exploiting her fame to promote Wang Chuanjun while excluding her from key opportunities.
In a later clarification, Bai Baihe revealed that on November 3, producer Peng Jian informed her that she would not be receiving any awards and could therefore return to China before the closing ceremony. Shockingly, the film’s director Zhang Lü allegedly disappeared and could not be reached, leaving the actress isolated and frustrated.
Feeling deceived, Bai Baihe flew back to China, while the rest of the Mothertongue team stayed in Tokyo to celebrate Wang Chuanjun’s victory. The actress stated she felt deeply insulted, claiming that the production crew had deliberately excluded her and shown blatant favoritism.
Bai Baihe also recounted a similar incident from her previous collaboration with Zhang Lü on Gloaming in Luomu. When the film was invited to the Busan International Film Festival, she reportedly had to cover her own travel expenses. During the trip, the team allegedly locked her out of a waiting room and later claimed they did not have their phones with them to hear her calls. Furthermore, promotional photos at Busan reportedly featured only the director and producer, with Bai Baihe absent.
According to her account, Bai Baihe had initially been advised by her agency to decline Mothertongue, but Zhang Lü personally pleaded for her participation, citing financial and personal hardships. Despite agreeing to help, she believes she was later “betrayed and humiliated.”
Her revelations have ignited fierce public debate about transparency and fairness in international film festivals. Many have begun questioning whether power imbalances and insider influence affect award outcomes at such prestigious events.
The controversy has also drawn other names into discussion. Actress Hao Lei recently insinuated that Tan Zhuo’s Best Actress win at the Venice Film Festival was allegedly due to support from influential figures behind the scenes, including juror Zhao Tao. Meanwhile, Fan Bingbing was rumored to have faced retaliation from juror Wen Yan at this year’s Tokyo festival for previous disputes, allegedly resulting in her film Mother Bhumi receiving poor evaluations on Douban.
These disputes highlight growing concerns about favoritism and hidden politics within international film circles.
Born in 1984, Bai Baihe is widely recognized as one of China’s most talented actresses, known for films such as Love Is Not Blind, Monster Hunt, and Go Away Mr.Tumor. Although her reputation suffered after a 2017 infidelity scandal, her acting prowess has continued to earn critical acclaim.
Her recent exposé, however, has cast an unflattering light on industry practices, forcing both domestic and international festivals to confront questions about integrity, equality, and the treatment of female artists.
Sources: K14
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