The favorites to win this award were Xia Weibao and Chen Naizhi, so the cameras were on them more often.
Chen Naizhi was somewhat nervous.
Having watched the earlier clip, she actually didn’t feel confident.
She had to admit, Xia Weibao’s acting in "Despair" was truly out of this world!
If it came down to acting skills, she naturally didn’t stand much of a chance.
But the theme of "Despair"...
"Despair" had been nominated for five awards and had already taken three; if it won another, the sensation it would cause was easy to imagine!
Would the Education Bureau really allow a film with an educational theme to steal so much limelight? Would the judges consider the Education Bureau’s stance?
This was her only hope...
"Baby! Baby!! Baby!!!"
"Double Best Actress, Xia Weibao keep it up!"
"The Phoenix Reigns Supreme, my Baby is invincible, Baby! Baby!!!"
"Chen Naizhi, goddess!!!"
"Shanshan! Shanshan!!!"
The live broadcast’s chat thread filled up faster and faster as fans of the five nominees shouted out in support for their own goddesses.
But the gemstone fans had the strongest fighting spirit, which made the cheers for Xia Weibao frighteningly loud!
At first, the names of other female stars could occasionally be seen, but soon it was all about Xia Weibao.
That excited emotion left no doubt that if Xia Weibao didn’t win tonight, it would incite quite an uproar from her fans!
On site, Yan Weiyang held the microphone, her voice brimming with joy, "Let’s announce tonight’s final award, the highly anticipated Best Actress. Who could it be..."
At this point, she drew out her words, keeping the audience on tenterhooks.
Then, she slowly and deliberately opened the card in her hand.
The camera cut between the five nominees, projecting their faces onto the big screen in turn.
The excitement inside the auditorium grew tenser, to the point where some people’s palms were sweating.
"The winner of the Best Actress Award at the Golden Ying Film Festival is..."
As Yan Weiyang spoke, she had already opened the card, and her pupils imperceptibly shrank upon seeing the name inside.
Then she resumed her usual demeanor, smiling as she announced, "’Despair,’ Xia Weibao! Now, let’s invite our Best Actress Xia Weibao to the stage to accept the award.
In ’Despair,’ Xia Weibao played the protagonist Xiao Mei, an unfortunate high school student. In the film, Xia Weibao used her superb acting skills to show us Xiao Mei’s life of despair, thought-provoking..."
The passionate speech still echoed in the hall; Chen Naishi’s shoulders dropped as she started clapping her hands.
Although disappointed, a weight had lifted from her heart.
Indeed, Best Actress is about strength.
Hoping for controversy over sensitive themes as a shortcut to success isn’t the way...
Not winning is fine too; today’s double award-winning Yan Weiyang was radiant, sure to become a point of comparison, and she couldn’t hope to outshine Yan Weiyang’s brilliance!
Xia Weibao, on the other hand, didn’t feel anything special, maintaining her humble and gentle smile. When the camera turned towards her, she gave a slight smile to the lens.
Graceful and composed, she remained unaffected by either praise or criticism.
The lights shone on her, casting a halo of sanctity around her.
Xu Jiayang had already stood up and hugged her.
Then Li Xiaofei, Qi Ming, He Dongdong, and other members of the crew congratulated her with hugs one by one.
Even Han Luoqi, who wasn’t seated nearby, came over and hugged her gently, "Congratulations."
Lu Huashan also ran over to embrace her, "Congratulations."
The only regret was that Lu Hualiang wasn’t at the event to share in the joy of the moment...