Key Highlights
The 28th Golden Goblet Awards, held on June 20, 2026, as part of the Shanghai International Film Festival, saw Chinese debut feature 'Atlantic Rhapsody' take the top prize. The ceremony recognized talent from across the globe, with winners from Belgium, Morocco, Turkey, Germany, and more.
Main Competition Winners
Best Picture: 'Atlantic Rhapsody' (China) – Directed by Zhong Kaifeng, the film also won Best Cinematography for Hao Jiayue. Set in Northeast China, the story follows a man from a bygone era who aspires to greatness but is ultimately shaped by the times. The film’s natural lighting and ambient sound design were highlighted by the director.
Jury Grand Prix: Nicolás Rincón Gille for 'Iluminada' (Belgium).
Best Director: Yassine El Idrissi for 'Halima' (Morocco) – A social realist cannabis drama marking Morocco’s return to the main competition after 27 years. El Idrissi’s photojournalism background informed the film’s style.
Best Actor: Zhang Songwen for 'Secret in the Box' (Chinese Mainland/Hong Kong) – A remake of Au Yeung Ping Keung’s murder mystery, directed by Frankie Tam Gong-Yuen.
Best Actress: Khadija Amari for 'Halima' (Morocco) – Her first lead role after years in supporting parts.
Best Screenplay: Reis Çelik for 'Night of Blindness' (Turkey/Germany) – The second film in Çelik’s Night Trilogy, set during Turkey’s 1980 military coup.
Outstanding Artistic Achievement: Susanne Heinrich for 'The Miserable Mother' (Germany/France).
Asian New Talent Section
Best Feature Film: 'Her First Taste' (China) – Directed by Gong Yiwen, also won Best Actress for Ma Fufu. The film explores a writing-obsessed girl’s journey through identity and first love.
Best Director: Sompot Chidgasornpongse for '9 Temples to Heaven' (Thailand) – A debut feature about a family’s pilgrimage to nine Buddhist temples, premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
Best Actor: Sompop Songkampol for '9 Temples to Heaven'.
Best Screenplay: Ridham Janve for 'Hunter’s Moon' (India/Germany).
Best Cinematography: Samiul Karim Shuptak for 'The Blind Girl and an Elephant' (Bangladesh/Germany).
Other Categories
- Best Documentary: 'Notes Unheard' (China) – Directed by Gu Yun, an open-ended exploration of a father-son relationship.
- Best Animation: 'Lucy Lost' (France) – Directed by Olivier Clert.
- Best Animated Short: 'If Only' (Belgium) – Directed by Ada Guvenir.
- Best Live Action Short: 'Sitting Bird' (Canada) – Directed by Athena Han.
What Readers Should Know
The Golden Goblet Awards continue to spotlight emerging talent from Asia and beyond. This year’s winners reflect a diverse range of stories and filmmaking styles, from intimate family dramas to politically charged narratives. The festival remains a key platform for international co-productions and debut features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film won Best Picture at the 28th Golden Goblet Awards?
The Chinese debut feature 'Atlantic Rhapsody' directed by Zhong Kaifeng won Best Picture.
Who won Best Actor at the Golden Goblet Awards?
Zhang Songwen won Best Actor for his role in 'Secret in the Box'.
What is the Asian New Talent section?
It is a competition section at SIFF for emerging filmmakers from Asia, with awards for feature film, director, actress, actor, screenplay, and cinematography.
Source: variety.com