Celebrating Cinema: The Golden Goblet Awards at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival
On June 20, 2026, the prestigious Golden Goblet Awards ceremony was held at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, marking a highlight in the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). This historic event brought together filmmakers, jury members, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts to honor exceptional achievements in film. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as award winners took the stage amidst applause, culminating a ten-day celebration of cinematic artistry.
The SIFF showcased films across five competitive sections: Main Competition, Asian New Talent, Documentary, Animation, and Short Film. Each category highlighted remarkable talent and diverse storytelling from filmmakers around the globe.
Highlights of the Awards Ceremony
Several noteworthy awards were presented during the ceremony, honoring creativity and skill in filmmaking. Here are some of the standout winners:
- - Best Feature Film: Atlantic Rhapsody (China), directed by Zhong Kaifeng
- - Jury Grand Prix: Iluminada (Belgium), directed by Nicolás Rincón Gille
- - Best Director: Yassine El Idrissi for Halima (Morocco)
- - Best Actor: Zhang Songwen in Secret in the Box (Chinese Mainland/Hong Kong China), directed by Frankie Tam Kwong Yuen
- - Best Actress: Khadija Amari in Halima (Morocco), directed by Yassine El Idrissi
- - Best Screenplay: Reis Çelik for Night of Blindness (Turkey/Germany), directed by Reis Çelik
- - Best Cinematography: Hao Jiayue for Atlantic Rhapsody (China), directed by Zhong Kaifeng
- - Outstanding Artistic Achievement: The Miserable Mother (Germany/France), directed by Susanne Heinrich
- - Best Documentary Film: Notes Unheard (China), directed by Gu Jun
- - Best Animation Film: Lucy Lost (France), directed by Olivier Clert
The awards not only celebrated artistic achievements but also underscored SIFF's enduring commitment to elevate local and international talents. The jury praised the selected works for their originality, cultural diversity, and profound storytelling.
Masterclass by Tony Leung
In addition to the awards, acclaimed actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai conducted a much-anticipated masterclass during the festival. Attendees filled the auditorium as Leung shared insights from his extensive career in cinema. His reflections on performance nuances, including the subtleties of body language, captivated aspiring actors and film enthusiasts alike. “You have to watch closely to catch my tiny details and body language—sometimes it's only a slight movement of my fingers,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of the big screen for appreciating subtle cinematic elements.
A Record-Setting Festival
The 28th SIFF was extraordinary, receiving approximately 4,100 submissions from 125 countries and regions—setting a new record for the festival. Among about 3,000 eligible entries, an impressive 82% were world or international premieres, showcasing the festival's growing worldwide appeal as a launch pad for filmmakers. The event was held from June 12 to 21, 2026, featuring an array of films including diverse genres and innovative storytelling, alongside various industry activities such as project pitching sessions and talent mentorship programs.
As the festival approached its conclusion, the vibrant city of Shanghai continued to buzz with screenings, audience interactions, and industry events until the final day on June 21. With its legacy rich in cultural exchange and artistic celebration, SIFF has once again proven its integral role in the global film landscape, connecting creatives from different backgrounds and highlighting the universality of storytelling through cinema.