This may have been the biggest event in Chinese entertainment in recent years. China's Huabiao film awards brought out all the stars and announced its verdict on the best and brightest in the movie industry. Not only that, but the awards ceremony coincided with the 100th anniversary of Chinese film making.

This year's Huabiao Awards ceremony was as much a reunion for the Chinese film industry as an honoring event. Four generations of movie dignitaries took part in the ceremony held at the Amphitheater of the Beijing Exhibition Center last Sunday. Twelve veterans including Qin Yi, Yu Lan and Chen Qiang were invited on stage. They were presented with flowers by stars like Zhang Tielin and Chen Peisi. Action hero Jackie Chan led the applause for the veterans. Hot young stars appeared to sing theme songs from old films as a special salute to the past glory of Chinese film making.

The government sponsored event is designed to encourage outstanding screen talent and it has two winners for each title. Zhao Wei shared the Best Actress award with Zhang Ziyi. Zhao won the award for her role in the ill-fated love story A Time to Love. Zhang was honored for her part in The House of Flying Daggers.

Pu Cunxin was handed the Best Actor prize for the biopic Hongyi Master. Also winning the award was Wu Jun for Zhang Si'de.

(CCTV September 6, 2005)