Golden Horse Awards: A Declining Legacy in Chinese Cinema

Once celebrated as one of the most prestigious film awards in the Chinese-speaking world, the Golden Horse Awards have long been a beacon for cinematic excellence. Alongside the Chinese mainland’s Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards, the Golden Horse Awards were part of the “Big Three” in Chinese cinema. Winning a Golden Horse was not only a symbol of artistic achievement but also a significant boost for box-office success.

In recent years, however, the awards have faced challenges that have affected their prominence. Changes in participation from filmmakers and shifting industry dynamics have led to a noticeable decline in the awards’ influence. The absence of films from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong has impacted the diversity and appeal of the event.

A notable moment occurred during the 2018 ceremony when a filmmaker’s acceptance speech included political statements that sparked controversy. This incident highlighted the increasingly complex relationship between the arts and politics in the region. Since then, the Golden Horse Awards have seen a decrease in international attention and participation.

The 61st Golden Horse Awards in 2024 witnessed nominees and winners who were relatively unknown to broader audiences. Box-office performance, a key indicator of a film’s resonance with the public, has been modest for many awarded films. For instance, the 2022 Best Feature Film winner, Coo-Coo 043, grossed just over $120,000, contrasting sharply with the Chinese mainland’s Golden Rooster Best Feature Film, The Battle at Lake Changjin, which earned approximately 4.06 billion yuan ($560 million).

This disparity raises questions about the awards’ current selection criteria and their alignment with audience interests. The Golden Horse Awards were once known for their rigorous and impartial selection process, earning them a reputation for fairness and professionalism. However, recent years have seen a shift that some attribute to changes in the regional film industry and external factors affecting the event’s prestige.

Awards are meant to celebrate artistic and professional excellence, reflecting both industry standards and public aspirations. When awarded films fail to engage audiences, it prompts reflection on whether the issue lies with the awards themselves or broader changes in the cultural landscape. The Golden Horse Awards’ journey serves as a case study on how cultural institutions must adapt to maintain relevance in changing times.

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