Zhang Luyi Wins Best Actor in Television at the 21st China-U.S. Film & TV Festival “Golden Angel Awards”

LAPost Los Angeles, November 7, 2025 — At the 21st China-U.S. Film Festival and China-U.S. TV Festival “Golden Angel Awards” held in Los Angeles, acclaimed Chinese actor Zhang Luyi won Best Actor in a Television Series for his outstanding performance in The Secret Path (iQIYI). Actress Song Jia received Best Actress for her role in When the Mountain Flowers Bloom.

Bob Underwood, committee member of the China-U.S. Film & TV Festival and head of the WGA West International Committee; renowned actress Xu Fan; Gu Guoqing, Chairman of the External Affairs Committee of the China Film Association; and Zeng Xiangkun, Director of the Guizhou Film Bureau, jointly presented the award to Zhang Luyi.

Nearly 800 guests attended the ceremony, including Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Guo Shaochun; Chang Jin, Inspector of the International Cooperation Department of China’s National Radio and Television Administration; U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu; Festival Chairman James Su; Co-Chairs Bill Mechanic and Andrew Morgan; as well as representatives from Warner Bros., Disney, Universal Pictures, and the Writers Guild of America West.

Fresh off a flight from China, Zhang delivered his acceptance speech in fluent Chinese and English. He said humbly, “I’m still a bit jetlagged and not fully awake, but winning this award here still makes my heart race.” He thanked the director, writers, and entire cast and crew of The Secret Path, and paid special tribute to the professional group his character represents. His sincerity and gracious demeanor received warm applause.

The Secret Path is jointly produced by CCTV and iQIYI, directed by Liu Jiang and written by Zhang Yang, and stars Zhang Luyi and Gao Yuanyuan. Since its premiere on April 28, 2025, the series has topped national ratings, surpassing 3.7% on CCTV’s flagship channel. Zhang’s restrained yet layered performance in the show has been widely praised as “textbook-level acting,” bringing to life a complex, conviction-driven character with psychological precision and emotional depth.

In an interview, Zhang spoke about building the role: “Yang Guang is first and foremost a national security officer. His training allows him to confront anxiety with reason and dismantle conspiracies through meticulous detail. But he is also a human being—capable of love and devotion to his family, his partner, and his comrades. It’s less about balancing these facets and more about being truthful. The most moving performances are simply expressions of life itself.”

This marks Zhang Luyi’s first win at the China-U.S. Film Festival. When asked about the responsibility and future of Chinese film and television professionals on the international stage, he said: “I’m grateful to the China-U.S. TV Festival for this honor and happy to make new friends here. As a Chinese filmmaker, I hope to express myself sincerely and communicate candidly on the world stage, helping more overseas audiences understand who we are. Dialogue creates connection, connection fosters trust, and with trust comes more opportunities for collaboration. I’d be very happy to contribute to that.”

Born in Beijing and a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama and Peking University (MFA in Arts), Zhang Luyi is considered one of the most accomplished actors of his generation. From Love Me If You Dare and Sparrow to Qin Dynasty Epic, New World, and The Secret Path, he has consistently delivered memorable roles grounded in skill and quiet intensity.

In an entertainment industry often dominated by noise, Zhang is known for being low-key, dedicated, and focused. He rarely appears on variety shows, avoids hype, and seldom posts on social media—devoting himself entirely to his craft. Industry insiders say, “Zhang Luyi is someone who respects acting and respects creation. He makes audiences believe again in what it means to be an actor.”

The day after the awards, Zhang attended the “China-U.S. Film and Television Night” hosted at the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles. When staff noticed several guests hesitating to ask him for photos as he ate a simple meal, Zhang immediately set down his plate, smiled, and patiently fulfilled each request—his humility and warmth leaving a deep impression.

The 21st China-U.S. Film Festival and China-U.S. TV Festival, themed “Light Without Borders, Stories for the Future,” featured more than 600 film and television works from China and the United States.

(Written by: Richard Ren / LAPost)