Chinese actress Fan Bingbing is once again at the center of political and entertainment controversies after her name was suddenly removed from the cast list of two dramas on Tencent Video: I’m not Madame Bovary AND The Big Village Conspiracy. The move has sparked intense speculation that he may face unofficial punishment following his recent high-profile win at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards.
Online communities quickly noticed the quiet but significant change on Tencent’s platform, with Fan’s name missing while other cast members remained on the list. Both industry insiders and internet users doubt whether it is a simple technical problem. Many wonder: Is this a silent warning or a form of state-sanctioned censorship?
The suspicion stems from Fan’s win for best actress for her role in the independent film Moher (《地母》) at the Golden Horse Awards on November 22nd. It was her second Golden Horse trophy, following her Best Supporting Actress win in 2007. Critics praised her nuanced performance and her win was widely reported in the national media, a sign, some believed, of her long-awaited return.
However, the celebration was short-lived. Since 2019, China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has strongly discouraged mainland Chinese artists from participating in the Taiwan-based Golden Horse Awards, which it considers politically sensitive. Although Fan did not attend the ceremony in person, his acceptance of the award appears to have reignited tensions.
Fan now finds himself in a difficult position. If it openly celebrates the victory, it could be seen as a challenge to state regulations. But remaining silent could be interpreted as a lack of respect for the prestigious award. Adding to the complexity, Fan has only recently re-emerged into the international spotlight after being blacklisted nationwide for years over her 2018 tax evasion scandal.
Despite state restrictions, Chinese media covered his Golden Horse victory in a surprisingly positive tone, fueling speculation that Fan’s PR team may be behind the coverage, in an attempt to send a message: “I haven’t left yet.”
Yet public opinion remains divided. While some praise his talent and resilience, others express concern that his involvement with a “sensitive” award could backfire. As one netizen noted: “This win may have simply closed the door on his return to Chinese screens.”
As his name disappears from domestic streaming platforms and whispers of unofficial sanctions grow louder, Fan Bingbing’s path forward in Chinese entertainment seems increasingly uncertain, despite his undeniable talent and enduring global recognition.
