Xin Zhilei is absent from the best-actress nominations for China's 39th Golden Rooster Awards, announced on October 19. The result drew discussion because she won the Volpi Cup at the 2025 Venice Film Festival for The Sun Rises on Us All.
Five actresses receive nominations
The nominees listed in the report are Li Sitong, Song Jia, Zhang Zifeng, Chen Lijun and Gao Ye. Some viewers compared Xin's position with Gong Li and Yong Mei, whose international acting prizes were followed by Golden Rooster nominations and wins.
Those comparisons express expectations rather than an automatic qualification rule. Xin's 2025 Venice award remains a separate career achievement and is not altered by this year's nomination list.
Explanations remain attributed
The article cites outlet 163 suggesting that domestic release-licence requirements might be relevant. That is a media explanation under discussion, not an established official finding that licensing caused her exclusion.
It also attributes comments to jury member Xi Meijuan about the film's abstract characterisation and use of medium and angled shots, which she considered less effective at displaying subtle facial performance. Xi contrasted this with Song Jia's more clearly defined character and emotional opportunities. These are attributed artistic judgments.
She also referred to the awards' own criteria, including performers using their real voices in acting categories. The available information establishes a difference between some audience expectations and the nomination result. It does not prove misconduct, verified unfairness or a single definitive reason for Xin's absence.