Zhao Shu-zhen

Zhao Shu-zhen
趙淑珍
Born1944 (age 81–82)
Harbin, Heilongjiang, Manchukuo
OccupationActress
Zhao Shu-zhen
Simplified Chinese赵淑珍
Traditional Chinese趙淑珍
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhào Shūzhēn

Zhao Shu-zhen (Chinese: 趙淑珍; born c. 1944) is a Chinese film, stage and television actress. She is best known internationally for her portrayal of the grandmother (Nai Nai 奶奶 Nǎinai, which means paternal grandmother in Mandarin) in Lulu Wang's film The Farewell (2019), which earned her many accolades including the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.

Career

Zhao has appeared in over 100 plays for the Harbin Grand Theatre.

Zhao's role as Nai Nai in The Farewell has received critical acclaim and numerous awards. For the role, she won Best Supporting Actress from the San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 2019, the Houston Film Critics Society Awards 2019, and the 2019 Chicago Indie Critics Awards and a 2020 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2019 The Farewell Nai Nai (奶奶)

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2018–2019 The Story of Ming Lan Wang Lao Tai Tai

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2018 The Actors of China Best Performance by an Actress-Red Team The Story of Ming Lan Nominated
2019 Detroit Film Critics Society Awards Best Supporting Actress The Farewell Won
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actress Runner-up
24th Satellite Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated
2020 25th Critics' Choice Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated
35th Independent Spirit Awards Best Supporting Female Won
Hollywood Critics Association Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Chicago Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
Houston Film Critics Society Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
Central Ohio Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Georgia Film Critics Association Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Florida Film Critics Circle Best Supporting Actress Nominated
AARP Movies For Grownups Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Gold Derby Awards Supporting Actress Won
Breakthrough Performer Nominated
Online Film Critics Society Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
Seattle Film Critics Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
San Francisco Film Critics Circle Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Alliance of Women Film Journalists Actress Defying Age and Ageism Won
Best Supporting Actress Won

References

  1. ↑ "Adam Sandler Laughs Off Oscar Snub as He Wins Indie Acting Prize". The New York Times. Reuters. 2020-02-09. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-02-23.
  2. ↑ Mandalit del Barco (2019-11-24). "Chinese Star Zhao Shuzhen Gains Hollywood Attention". NPR. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
  3. ↑ Lindsey Bahr (2019-11-22). "Already a star in China, US fame comes to 'Farewell' actress". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2020-01-13.
  4. ↑ Jenelle Riley (2019-07-10). "Meet Zhao Shuzhen, the Breakout Star of 'The Farewell'". Variety. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
  5. ↑ Ryan Lattanzio (2019-12-02). "'The Farewell' Breakout Zhao Shuzhen Helped Keep the Film's Secret From Lulu Wang's Grandmother". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
  6. ↑ "Chicago Indie Critics Awards: 2019 Winners". Solzy at the Movies. 2020-01-04. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
  7. ↑ Evan Real (2020-02-08). "Spirit Awards: Zhao Shuzhen Wins Best Supporting Actress, Skips Show Due to Coronavirus". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2020-02-08.