Source: CCTV.com

02-12-2009 08:19

Ten of Europe's most promising actors are chosen by the Berlin Film Festival jury each year. 2009 is the 12th year for the honors and Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi was on hand to present the awards.

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi (R) hands over to actor David Kross his European "Shooting Stars 2009" award during a ceremony at the 59th Berlinale film festival in Berlin.(Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)

Germany's David Kross made his movie debut at 14 in "Tough Enough" and earned raving reviews alongside Kate Winslet in "The Reader" this year.

It was a poignant moment when Zhang Ziyi presented the trophies because the Berlin film Festival was where she made her debut in international film festivals. It was in 2000 and the movie was "Road Home", starring Zhang and directed by Zhang Yimou, which clinched the Silver Bear. Zhang then rose to become an international star.

Chinese film "Forever Enthralled", the biopic of the late Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang, is competing for the Golden Bear trophy along with other 17 movies. Zhang is the leading actress. A Grand premiere was held on Tuesday after a media preview and a press conference.

Zhang Ziyi(third from right) poses for a picture with the winners of the European "Shooting Stars 2009" award at the 59th Berlinale  film festival in Berlin.(Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)

Zhang Ziyi said, "I have never thought to much about winning awards. It's been a great honor that "Forever Enthralled" was chosen as the representative of Chinese film and joins the competition. The result is not that important."

The Shooting Stars are a unique pan-European initiative to spotlight Europe's best young actors. It's meant to put emerging talent at the forefront of the busy film and entertainment agenda which unfolds at the Berlinale.

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Editor:Liu Fang