An Iranian film won over many hearts in Shanghai. Tradition of Lover Killing captured the Best Film Award at the 7th Shanghai International Film Festival. And the closing ceremony on Sunday night was lit up by the arrival of a super Hollywood legend.
The Shanghai film festival was finally graced with the presence of Hollywood star Meryl Streep. She made an appearance at the closing ceremony just in time to present the Best Film Award on Sunday night.
The award went to Iranian director Khosro Masumi. The jury's comments were that Tradition of Lover Killing demonstrates the most profound life through simplest cinematic language.
South Korean director Lee Je-yong walked away Best Director. By using modern visual effects, the young director effectively tells an Untold Scandal in a vivid and pleasant way.
Swedish hunk Andreas Wilson won the Best Actor award for his powerful and complex performance in Evil.
The Best Actress Award went to 51-year-old Hong Kong actress Gu Meihua for her performance in the Shanghai Story.
This year's international jury board was comprised of six renowned directors from France, South Korea, Japan, the United States and Hong Kong. Veteran Chinese director Ding Yinnan led the board. They unanimously chose China's Jasmine Women for the Jury Prix Award.
(CCTV.com June 15, 2004)