The 28th Golden Goblet Awards, held during the Shanghai International film festival, concluded with a vibrant celebration of international cinema on June 20. The Chinese film Atlantic Rhapsodydirected by Zhong Kaifengemerged as the night’s biggest winner, claiming the coveted Best Picture award. This debut feature, which also garnered the Best Cinematography award for Hao Jiayueset the tone for an evening that honored a diverse range of films and filmmakers.
The festival’s awards ceremony was a testament to the global reach of cinema, with winners hailing from various countries and competition sections. Atlantic Rhapsody, which premiered at the festival, captivated audiences with its atmospheric storytelling, achieved through natural lighting and ambient sound design. The film, set in Northeast China and starring Yin Fangexplores the journey of a character navigating the complexities of their time.
The International Spotlight
The Jury Grand Prix was awarded to Nicolás Rincón Gille for the Belgian film Iluminadashowcasing the festival’s commitment to recognizing cinematic excellence from around the world. Morocco made a triumphant return to the main competition after a 27-year absence, with Yassine El Idrissi winning Best Director for Halimaa social realist drama that also earned Khadija Amari the Best Actress award.
The Chinese Mainland–Hong Kong co-production Secret in the Boxa remake of a murder mystery, saw Zhang Songwen take home the Best Actor award. Zhang, known for his prominent dramatic roles, brought depth and nuance to his character, impressing both the jury and audiences alike.
Honoring Emerging Talent
The Asian New Talent section highlighted the festival’s dedication to nurturing emerging filmmakers. Her First Tastedirected by Gong Yiwen and supported by the SIFF Project, won Best Feature Film and Best Actress for lead Ma Fufu. The film, which follows a writing-obsessed girl navigating identity and first love, was praised for its spontaneous and authentic performances.
Sompot Chidgasornpongse won Best Director in the Asian New Talent section for 9 Temples to Heavenhis debut feature about a family’s pilgrimage to nine Buddhist temples. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, also earned Sompop Songkampol the Best Actor award. The Best Screenplay award in this section went to Ridham Janve for Hunter’s Moonan India-Germany co-production that explores the relationship between nature and its human subjects.
Documentary and Animation Highlights
The festival’s documentary category featured a diverse range of films, with Notes Unhearddirected by Gu Yuntaking home the Best Documentary award. The film traces a father-son relationship across several years, leaving the conclusion open for audience interpretation. In the animation category, Lucy Lostdirected by Olivier Clert of France, was awarded Best Animation.
The short film categories also saw international recognition, with If Onlydirected by Ada Guvenir of Belgium, winning Best Animated Short Film, and Sitting Birddirected by Athena Han of Canada, earning the Best Live Action Short Film award.
The 28th Golden Goblet Awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival celebrated the best of international cinema, honoring a diverse range of films and filmmakers. From the atmospheric storytelling of Atlantic Rhapsody to the social realism of Halima, the festival showcased the power of cinema to illuminate certain aspects of reality that are being downplayed and ignoredas noted by jury members. The event underscored the festival’s role as a global platform for cinematic excellence and emerging talent.
