Veteran Lin Xiaojie Wins Best Actress ‘Golden Deer’ at Changchun Film Festival for “My Little Self”

The award ceremony in Changchun, a city in China’s northeast celebrated for its film heritage, recognized Lin’s portrayal of a resilient grandmother who shields a young protagonist against the tides of modern life. Critics have singled out the role for its subtlety and emotional depth, noting that Lin’s nuanced expression of both tenderness and steadfastness brought the character to life in a way that resonated with both the festival jury and audiences alike.

Lin’s win comes amid a competitive field that included some of the country’s most prominent young talent—actresses Gao Ye, Yong Mei, Michelle Wai, Zhang Zifeng and Liu Haocun were also shortlisted for the prize. Her triumph, however, was seen as a “well‑deserved” affirmation of a career spanning decades, with many Weibo users pointing to her earlier work in The Long Season (《漫长的季节》) as evidence of her sustained artistic excellence.

In her acceptance speech, Lin paid tribute to fellow actor Jackson Yee—known to Chinese fans as 易烊千玺—calling him “an outstanding and wonderful actor” and “a very good child.” While Yee was not directly involved in My Little Self, Lin referenced his performance in the recent film Spring Harmony (《春和》), suggesting that his youthful vigor and dedication inspired her own work on the festival‑winning drama.

Beyond the formal accolades, Lin’s personality has become part of the celebration. During a post‑award interview she greeted the audience in a playful Northeastern dialect, proudly introducing Changchun’s culture and showcasing a spirited, unpretentious charm that endeared her further to viewers. One social media post highlighted a touching moment when Lin’s grandmother, featured in the film, expressed pride in her granddaughter’s achievement—a scene that underscored the film’s intergenerational themes and resonated deeply with fans.

The Golden Deer Award itself, conferred by the China Changchun Film Festival, is a barometer of both artistic merit and cultural policy in mainland China. Analysts note that Lin’s victory could signal an emerging preference for stories that blend personal, family‑centric narratives with broader social reflections. My Little Self tackles issues such as aging, familial responsibility and the tension between individual aspirations and collective expectations—topics that align with current cultural directives encouraging “positive energy” in storytelling.

Industry insiders predict that the honor will open new doors for Lin, ranging from higher‑profile film projects to lucrative commercial endorsements. Her heightened visibility also places her among a select group of Chinese actors who have successfully bridged the gap between critical acclaim and popular appeal, a balance that can translate into greater leverage in an industry increasingly attentive to both domestic and international markets.

Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Thousands of Weibo users have posted congratulatory messages, many praising Lin’s “superb and exquisite” acting, especially her ability to convey love and guardianship through the grandmother’s role. Others have celebrated her "enthusiastic and uninhibited" demeanor, noting that her use of regional dialect added authenticity to her public persona. No significant negative commentary has surfaced in the sample of online posts, suggesting a consensus that Lin’s award is both a personal milestone and a cultural touchstone.

In the months ahead, Lin Xiaojie’s Golden Deer victory is likely to reverberate across the Chinese film landscape, encouraging filmmakers to explore intimate, character‑driven stories while reaffirming the power of seasoned actors to carry such narratives. For Lin herself, the accolade marks a new chapter—one that promises both artistic fulfillment and a continued connection with a rapidly evolving audience.