On February 7, 2026, the European World Film Festival officially unveiled its ranking of “Most Loved Actors by Global Audiences” for the first time. Despite being a brand-new category, the list immediately drew widespread attention from international media, as it was determined entirely by global audience votes—making it one of the most direct indicators of an actor’s true worldwide influence.
In the male actor category, Yu Shi emerged as the biggest surprise, claiming the No.1 position ahead of many established superstars. International audiences have become familiar with him through Creation of the Gods Trilogy and My Altai , two works vastly different in style yet both deeply cinematic, allowing him to stand out beyond the conventional idol framework.
By contrast, top-tier traffic star Xiao Zhan ranked only fifth, sparking heated discussion online. Wang Yibo secured third place, continuing to demonstrate his steady progress toward international recognition. In the female category, Zhao Liying stood out as one of the few Chinese actresses to enter the global top 10, ranking sixth overall.
The ranking has been described by the media as a “Global Audience Choice Award.” Over the course of one month, viewers from around the world could vote after registering with a valid email address, with each person allowed only one vote. According to organizers, tens of millions of valid votes were cast from more than 180 countries and regions, reflecting the genuine global reach of the listed actors.
Yu Shi’s victory was described by several European outlets as “a quiet triumph.” At the beginning of the voting period, he was ranked as low as 16th, but his position steadily climbed before surging dramatically in the final week. Analysts attribute this to a “long-tail effect.” Although Creation of the Gods: Kingdom of Storms premiered in 2023, its global release on platforms such as Netflix triggered a wave of renewed interest in Europe and Latin America throughout 2025. His portrayal of Ji Fa—with a classical Eastern heroic aura, horseback archery scenes, and restrained charisma—proved highly appealing to audiences unfamiliar with Chinese cinema.
More notably, My Altai aired on international documentary and arthouse film channels in late 2025, helping Yu Shi win over cinephiles who favor realistic storytelling and minimalist performances. The contrast between his epic fantasy role and his grounded, humanistic acting further solidified his image as a versatile, film-oriented actor rather than a formulaic idol.
Xiao Zhan’s fifth-place ranking highlights the challenges of expanding influence beyond Asia. While he commands an enormous fanbase in the Asian market—particularly in Southeast Asia—regional popularity becomes diluted in a truly global vote. Although The Untamed remains a phenomenon, its cultivation-fantasy setting and cultural context present certain barriers for mainstream Western audiences. Meanwhile, his highly anticipated film The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero had not yet received a global release during the voting period, limiting his momentum.
Xiao Zhan in The Untamed , the drama that made him a household name across Asia.
Wang Yibo’s third-place finish underscores the advantage of a multi-hyphenate career. Beyond his popularity from The Untamed , his 2025 aviation-themed film Born to Fly was acquired by multiple countries thanks to its universally resonant heroism narrative. In addition, his professional motorcycle racing activities in Europe and internationally released music projects have helped him maintain visibility beyond acting alone.
Wang Yibo’s diversified career continues to boost his international presence.
On the female side, Zhao Liying’s ranking reflects the power of long-term accumulation rather than instant global hits. Without relying on a single breakout international project, she has steadily built her reputation through consistently strong performances.
Zhao Liying in The Wind Blows from Longxi , a testament to her acting depth and endurance.
The Story of Minglan earned acclaim among audiences interested in East Asian culture, while Wild Bloom offered Western viewers insight into modern Chinese society. Her careful project selection and solid acting fundamentals ultimately secured her a place among the world’s most beloved actresses—affirming her status through substance rather than hype.
Sources: European World Film Festival
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