The Chinese film industry witnessed a seismic shift in 2025 with the rise of actress Xin Zhilei, whose historic Best Actress win at the Venice International Film Festival redefined the nation’s entertainment hierarchy.

On September 7, when the 1986-born actress was announced as the winner for her role in The Sun Rises on Us All, Chinese media described the moment as “resetting the order of the entertainment world.” Before her, only Gong Li and Deanie Ip had achieved similar heights.

Her victory marked the return of Chinese cinema to Venice’s top podium after a 14-year absence and reignited hope for a film industry that many critics had deemed less influential following the golden generation of Gong Li and Maggie Cheung. Unlike conventional stars with massive followings or traditionally “favored” looks, Xin Zhilei’s triumph demonstrated that talent and performance could surpass social media metrics or aesthetic expectations.

The ripple effect of her win was immediate. For years, post-1985 actresses such as Liu Yifei, Yang Mi, and Ni Ni dominated endorsements, magazines, and red carpets, but rarely achieved high international accolades. Xin Zhilei, previously overlooked, broke this pattern.

The shift was particularly visible in Vogue China’s September issue celebrating its 20th anniversary. Initially, Liu Yifei held the central spot in a feature of twelve actresses, while Xin Zhilei appeared at the edge. After her Venice win, social media erupted, with fans asserting, “The central position should have been Xin Zhilei.” Vogue reportedly faced pressure to create a separate cover honoring her.

International brands and magazines quickly extended congratulations and collaboration offers. Within days, Xin Zhilei transformed from a peripheral figure to the most sought-after face in fashion, surpassing long-established stars in recognition and influence.

Xin Zhilei’s journey to this milestone was far from easy. Born in Heilongjiang in 1986, she grew up with her grandmother, far from her parents. Facing financial hardships, she once slept at a train station with only 500 NDT from her mother to sustain herself while pursuing art exams. Personal tragedies including her father’s paralysis and grandmother’s liver cancer forced her to balance school and part-time jobs to support her family.

Her path in entertainment was further challenged by her unconventional appearance, which did not fit the “pale skin, small face, high nose” standard. Harsh online criticisms like “never seen an actress this unattractive” or “her lips are unpleasant” frequently appeared, and at one point, she considered leaving the industry altogether.

Director Tai Shangjun recognized her unyielding spirit, giving her a platform to prove her talent. Over time, Xin Zhilei’s perseverance and skill led to international acclaim, ultimately reshaping the status of Chinese cinema.

In a year full of controversies and social media noise, Xin Zhilei’s 2025 success stands out as a triumph of craft over hype, solidifying her position as a beacon of talent and inspiring a reordering of the entertainment industry. As Chinese media noted, “Xin Zhilei didn’t just win an award she reset the order of the entertainment world.”

Sources: K14