Yang Zi Wins Best Actress at Magnolia Awards in Tears; Xiao Zhan’s Genuine Reaction in Audience Captured On Camera

The 28th Shanghai Television Festival 'Magnolia Awards' in 2026 was grandly announced on the night of the 26th. Top Chinese actress Yang Zi, with her superb acting in the realistic drama Life Tree, successfully won the Best Actress award and claimed the coveted Magnolia Best Actress trophy. However, apart from Yang Zi's moment of glory that night, fellow nominee for Best Actor Xiao Zhan's series of genuine reactions in the audience also became the focus of attention; related interactions quickly sparked heated discussions on major social media platforms, with netizens exclaiming, “This blessing is even happier than if he won it himself.”

At the very moment the host announced Yang Zi as the winner, Xiao Zhan, who was sitting side by side with her, instinctively looked at Yang Zi and showed a gratified smile. He then applauded enthusiastically from his seat, even giving her a thumbs-up as Yang Zi held the trophy, his eyes full of pride and approval. Standing at the podium, Yang Zi couldn’t contain her excitement and burst into tears several times, emotionally saying, “Every step counts; this is not my end, but the new beginning for actress Yang Zi.” Coincidentally, when Yang Zi was giving her speech, Xiao Zhan was waiting in the wings, listening throughout. As Yang Zi left the stage, Xiao Zhan’s nomination video happened to play on-site. Their appearances together on screen and the frank high-five at the end of the ceremony were described by netizens as “mature and sincere.”

Yang Zi and Xiao Zhan previously worked together in the hit 2019 drama The Oath of Love, playing “Gu Wei” and “Lin Zhixiao”—roles that remain classics for countless drama fans. Seven years later, the two competed for Best Actor and Best Actress at the same Magnolia Awards. Now with Yang Zi taking the crown first, many longtime fans were touched, calling it a 'journey from co-stars to reunion at the summit, the ultimate friendship of top stars.' Xiao Zhan’s unreserved, heartfelt reaction also moved netizens: “His expression was as if saying, ‘Hope it’s you, and finally it’s you.’ You can feel the precious pride he feels for her even across the screen.”

The competition for Best Actor was so fierce it was called the “death group” of the night. Ultimately, accomplished actor Yu Hewei stood out with his exceptional performance in the TV series Glory of Silence, winning this year’s Magnolia Award for Best Actor. This result meant strong contenders with huge popularity walked away empty-handed.

Among them, Hu Ge was nominated for the hit drama Life Tree. Though the show won both Best Actress and Best Director that night, becoming one of the evening’s biggest winners, Hu Ge ultimately did not reclaim the Best Actor crown, leaving many fans regretful. Top male star Xiao Zhan, meanwhile, was nominated for Best Actor at the Magnolia Awards for the first time with his costume epic The Legend of Hidden Sea, showcasing his widely recognized success in transitioning roles. Although he didn’t win, just making the shortlist for the first time already generated huge buzz.

News Source: Compilation