Yang Zi delivered one of the most emotional moments at the 31st Magnolia Awards after winning Best Actress for her performance in Born to Be Alive. The ceremony took place on June 26 as part of the Shanghai Television Festival. With the win, Yang Zi would become the first actress born after 1990 to receive the Magnolia Award for Best Actress.
The result marked an important turning point in his career. He had previously gained recognition through dramas including Ode to Joy, Lost You Forever and Flourished Peony, but had repeatedly missed out on the top acting award.
Yang Zi bursts into tears during his speech
When her name was announced, Yang Zi said she froze and felt as if her mind had gone completely blank. After going on stage she could no longer hold back her tears. Looking overwhelmed, the actress said: “Your daughter did not disappoint you.”
The emotional line, directed to his parents, moved both the audience and the spectators attending the ceremony. Yang Zi also jokingly denied reports that he lost around 7.5 kilograms for the role before sharing a heartfelt message about perseverance. “There is no useless road in life. Every step has meaning,” he said. “I thought I was always a little short, but today this trophy told me that as long as you have a dream and keep working hard, you will eventually get to the place you want to go.”
His challenging transformation in Born to Be Alive
In Born to Be Alive, Yang Zi plays Bai Ju, a police officer working in the high-altitude Sanjiangyuan region of Qinghai. The production reportedly spent 188 days filming outdoors in Kekexili, at altitudes above 4,000 metres. The cast and crew often faced snowstorms, thunderstorms and sandstorms during the challenging shoot.
To make Bai Ju look more realistic, Yang Zi would require minimal makeup. It preserved the natural blush of her cheeks and the chapped skin caused by the harsh highland climate instead of covering them.
Before filming began, she studied Tibetan with women from a mountain patrol team. She also trained in horse riding and shooting to prepare for the physically demanding role.
A decisive milestone for your career
After Yang Zi’s victory was announced, numerous colleagues, friends and family members publicly congratulated her. Born to Be Alive also earned recognition in the directing category, with Li Xue receiving the best director award.
For many viewers, Yang Zi’s award represented more than just recognition for a performance. It marked the culmination of her long journey from child actress to one of the most respected stars on Chinese television.
Her tearful speech also resonated with fans who had followed her previous nominations and career setbacks. After years of feeling like she was always “just a little short,” Yang Zi finally took the stage at the Magnolia Awards holding the trophy she had long chased.
Sources: Ngoisao
