Yang Zi delivered one of the most emotional moments of the 31st Magnolia Awards after winning Best Actress for her performance in Born to Be Alive . The ceremony took place on June 26 as part of the Shanghai Television Festival. With the victory, Yang Zi reportedly became the first actress born after 1990 to receive the Magnolia Award for Best Actress.

The achievement marked an important turning point in her career. She had previously earned recognition through dramas including Ode to Joy , Lost You Forever and Flourished Peony , but had repeatedly missed out on the top acting prize.

Yang Zi Bursts Into Tears During Her Speech

When her name was announced, Yang Zi said she froze and felt as though her mind had gone completely blank. After walking onto the stage, she could no longer hold back her tears. Looking overwhelmed, the actress said: “Your daughter did not disappoint you.”

The emotional line, directed toward her parents, moved both the audience and viewers watching the ceremony. Yang Zi also humorously denied reports that she had lost approximately 7.5 kilograms for the role before sharing a heartfelt message about perseverance. “There is no useless road in life. Every step has meaning,” she said. “I used to feel that I was always just a little short, but today this trophy told me that as long as you have a dream and continue working hard, you will eventually reach the place you want to go.”

Her Demanding Transformation in Born to Be Alive

In Born to Be Alive , Yang Zi plays Bai Ju, a female police officer working in the high-altitude Sanjiangyuan region of Qinghai. The production reportedly spent 188 days filming outdoors in Kekexili at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters. The cast and crew frequently faced snowstorms, thunderstorms and sandstorms throughout the demanding shoot.

To make Bai Ju appear more realistic, Yang Zi reportedly requested minimal makeup. She preserved the natural redness on her cheeks and the cracked skin caused by the harsh plateau climate rather than covering them.

Before filming began, she studied Tibetan with female members of a mountain patrol team. She also trained in horseback riding and shooting to prepare for the physically demanding role.

A Defining Career Milestone

After Yang Zi’s victory was announced, numerous colleagues, friends and family members publicly congratulated her. Born to Be Alive also earned recognition in the directing category, with Li Xue receiving Best Director.

For many viewers, Yang Zi’s award represented more than recognition for one performance. It marked the culmination of her long journey from child actress to one of Chinese television’s most respected leading stars.

Her tearful speech also resonated with fans who had followed her previous nominations and career setbacks. After years of feeling that she was always “just a little short,” Yang Zi finally stood on the Magnolia Awards stage holding the trophy she had long pursued.

Sources: Ngoisao