Peng Tianying Wins 2024 Golden Screen Film Festival “Best Newcomer Award”
LAPost/Los Angeles, November 25, 2024 – The prestigious Golden Screen Film Festival, an annual highlight of the international film and television industry, recently concluded in Hollywood. Chinese action actress and world martial arts champion Peng Tianying was honored with the “Best Newcomer Award” for her outstanding performances and martial arts skills showcased in various film and television projects in recent years.
The festival’s jury included notable figures such as Belle Avery (producer, actor, and writer of The Meg and The Meg 2), Lori McCreary (President of the Producers Guild of America), Kathy Connell (Executive Producer of the SAG Awards), Elizabeth Daley (Dean of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts), and Lisa Lu (Honorary Chair of the Golden Screen Awards and a Golden Globe Awards judge).
Peng’s remarkable martial arts foundation and natural acting talent captivated both the judges and the audience. She seamlessly integrates martial arts with character development, infusing her performances with cultural depth and visual impact. Lisa Lu praised Peng, stating, “Peng Tianying not only demonstrates extraordinary skills as a martial arts champion but also brings depth to her characters through nuanced acting. She serves as a bridge between China’s traditional culture and modern filmmaking.”
In her acceptance speech, Peng expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I am deeply honored by the recognition from the Golden Screen Film Festival and its esteemed judges. This award is not only an encouragement for me personally but also an acknowledgment of the integration of Chinese martial arts and cinema. I hope to use films to share the unique charm of Chinese culture with the world.”
Inspired by a childhood dream of becoming a heroine, Peng began practicing martial arts at the age of seven. Years of rigorous training propelled her to the forefront of domestic and international martial arts competitions, earning her titles such as National First-Class Athlete, National First-Class Referee, and National Social Sports Instructor. After earning a Master’s degree in Cultural Management and Arts from De Montfort University in the UK, Peng returned to China, channeling her passion for martial arts and culture into her filmmaking career.
Her debut film, The Crimson Assassin, topped the ratings chart on CCTV6, captivating over 10% of viewers. Following this success, she received numerous film offers and caught the attention of Jackie Chan, who recommended her for roles in various action films. These included The Assassin’s Blade, directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Daniel Lee, and Rapid Rescue, directed by Ju Jueliang. In these productions, Peng showcased not only her martial arts expertise but also her ability to imbue her characters with emotional depth, earning widespread acclaim.
Beyond her achievements in martial arts and film, Peng is deeply committed to philanthropy. She actively works to improve the lives of children in impoverished areas and spreads positivity through charitable platforms. Her dedication to social responsibility extends back to her time in the UK, where she joined the nonprofit organization Global Hands and traveled to underprivileged regions in Africa, providing educational and living support for local children.
Reflecting on this experience, Peng shared, “In Africa, I witnessed firsthand how education can transform lives. Despite their hardships, these children were full of hope for the future. I am determined to help them realize their dreams.”
After returning to China, Peng continued her philanthropic efforts as a spokesperson for the China Children’s Charity. She also partnered with the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation as an ambassador, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and social welfare.
In a public speech on charity, Peng stated, “Charity is both a responsibility and a respect for life. Whether in martial arts, film, or philanthropy, I hope to use my influence to spread positive energy.”
Dedicated to fostering cultural exchange, Peng has been increasingly active in Hollywood, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western film industries. She was recognized on the AACYF Top 30 Under 30 list earlier this year. In an interview with local media in Los Angeles, Peng emphasized, “Film is a vessel for culture, and martial arts is a cultural symbol. I will continue to use my films to create more sparks between Chinese tradition and modern art on the world stage.”
Founded in 2016, the Golden Screen Film Festival was established by the US-China Film & TV Industry Expo, The Hollywood Reporter, the Motion Picture Association, and the China Film Co-Production Corporation. The festival aims to promote collaboration between Chinese and international filmmakers, fostering cultural exchange and global cooperation in the film industry.
(By: Richard Ren / LAPost)