Athlete-turned-actor Tian Liang has been nominated for the Best Actor award at the ongoing 15th Shanghai International Film Festival, Sina.com reports.
The former Olympic diving champion was nominated for his role as a running coach in the inspiring sports-themed film "On My Way."
Tian will go up against Taiwan heartthrob Mark Chao ("First Time") and Golden Eagle Award winner Lu Yi ("1984") in an effort to gain his maiden "gold" in show business.
The 32-year-old retired from diving in 2007 after winning two Olympic gold medals in the men's 10-meter platform competition.
He debuted in Hong Kong director Andrew Lau's 2007 film "The Fantastic Water Babes" and portrayed famous Chinese Samaritan Lei Feng in a television drama.
In May, Tian was inducted into the 48th Class of Honorees at the International Swimming Hall of Fame's (ISHOF) Annual Induction Ceremony in the United States.