Central Academy of Drama vs Beijing Film Academy: Which Institution Produces Better Talent?
In the world of Chinese entertainment, two prestigious institutions have long been the subject of debate: the Central Academy of Drama and the Beijing Film Academy. The two schools have been pitted against each other in a hypothetical competition, with the question on everyone's mind: which school produces better talent? To answer this, we can look at the alumni of each school. Beijing Film Academy has produced many notable stars, including Yang Mi, Liu Yifei, and Zheng Shuang, who have all gone on to achieve great success in the entertainment industry. On the other hand, the Central Academy of Drama has produced many talented actors, including Chen Baoguo, Zhang Hanyu, and Jiang Wen, who are known for their exceptional acting skills.
17 April 2025
However, when it comes to international recognition, Beijing Film Academy seems to have the upper hand. According to data, Beijing Film Academy has won 29 awards at international A-class film festivals, while the Central Academy of Drama has won 16. Additionally, Beijing Film Academy has produced many successful directors, including Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, and Tian Zhuangzhuang, who have all made significant contributions to Chinese cinema. In terms of commercial value, Beijing Film Academy also seems to have an advantage, with 24 of its alumni on the "New Fortune Star Capital Power List" in 2015, compared to 12 from the Central Academy of Drama.
The latest rankings of the top four students from each academy have also sparked interest, with many wondering which students will have more audience appeal. A glance at the photos of the students from the two academies reveals a noticeable difference in their styles, with Central Academy of Drama students seeming more suited for television dramas and Beijing Film Academy students appearing more suited for the big screen. This year's top-ranked students are predominantly male, with few female students making the cut, raising questions about the impact of competition from established actresses in the industry.
The Central Academy of Drama is known for its strong focus on acting techniques, producing actors like Zhang Ziyi and Liu Ye, who represent the authority of traditional teaching. Its graduates are also more experienced in stage performances and are better equipped to handle the challenges of stage adaptations. On the other hand, Beijing Film Academy graduates, such as Hu Ge, Wang Kai, and Zhang Zhehan, represent a new style of acting and are more focused on commercialization and marketization. They are more easily accepted and understood by audiences, with experience and capabilities that are hard to ignore.
As the debate between the two academies continues, it is essential to consider the potential impact on new actors. The expectation that graduates from top drama academies have a high starting point may create psychological pressure on these emerging talents. Their adaptability and ability to handle pressure will be crucial in determining their long-term success in the highly competitive Chinese entertainment industry. The industry must recognize and appreciate the unique strengths and talents of each individual, rather than relying solely on their academic background, to foster a more supportive and inclusive environment. Ultimately, the competition between the Central Academy of Drama and the Beijing Film Academy will undoubtedly produce talented individuals who will shine in the entertainment industry, and it will be interesting to see how these two institutions continue to shape the careers of their alumni.
