Sun Li proves her status as a top-tier actress, while Yang Mi leaves many disappointed.

The fact that Sun Li was once again nominated for Best Actress at a recent major television awards ceremony has sparked lively discussions among Chinese drama fans.

This victory is not only another title added to her already extensive collection of awards, but it is also seen by many as proof of the actress's enduring acting prowess after many years in the industry.

In the context of Chinese television constantly featuring young faces and the increasing dominance of "traffic stars," the fact that a talented actress like Sun Li still maintains a high position makes many people reconsider the value of genuine acting.

According to published information, at the 2026 Quality Television Awards, Sun Li was honored with the Best Actress award, also known as the Queen of Television. In the Best Actor category, the title went to Xiao Zhan. This award is highly regarded in the television industry, as its criteria are based not only on the popularity of the work but also on the quality of the content and the actor's ability to portray the character.

In the project that earned her this award, Sun Li continued to choose her familiar approach: everyday stories, focusing on human fate and subtle psychological transformations. The work was praised for not chasing excessive drama or spectacular special effects, but instead captivated audiences with its relatable and authentic storytelling. The high viewership ratings and positive audience feedback are considered crucial factors in the actress's victory.

For many years, Sun Li has been considered one of the rare faces in Chinese television who can balance fame and talent. Since the resounding success of classic works like "Empresses in the Palace," her name has almost become a guarantee of a television series' quality. Many viewers comment that simply seeing Sun Li on the cast list gives them more reason to watch the series.

Therefore, her continued nomination for this major award didn't surprise many. On the contrary, many believe this result accurately reflects the status of a seasoned actress who always prioritizes thorough preparation for her roles. In the film industry, Sun Li is known for her seriousness about her work, often meticulously studying scripts and adding extensive annotations before filming begins.

However, alongside the recognition for Sun Li, some opinions on social media expressed regret for Yang Mi. Over the years, the actress, born in 1986, has strived to change her image, gradually shifting from idol roles to more dramatic projects. Many viewers believe this is a risky but necessary step for her to prove her acting abilities.

In fact, Yang Mi has achieved several notable milestones in her career. After years of being associated with the image of a "popular celebrity," she began to receive recognition at professional awards, even winning the Best Actress award at a mainstream television awards ceremony. This milestone is seen as a recognition of the actress's more than a decade of effort in changing her image.

Nevertheless, Yang Mi's transformation is still considered a challenging path. Some of her projects, upon airing, have sparked controversy regarding her acting or character portrayal, leading to divided public opinion. Some argue that the actress is in a transitional phase, making it difficult to avoid harsh criticism from the public.

In this context, Sun Li's victory further highlights the generational gap between actors on the Chinese screen. While Yang Mi represents the "rising star" generation who once dominated the market with commercial appeal, Sun Li is a symbol of the more accomplished actresses – those who win over audiences with the depth of their characters rather than media attention.

Many viewers believe that the coexistence of these two types of stars reflects the diversity of the Chinese entertainment market. On one side is the appeal of popularity and the ability to generate media buzz, while on the other are works that are invested in content and acting. In this picture, Sun Li is still seen as a professional benchmark that not every actress can easily achieve.

This latest victory is therefore not just a title, but also affirms Sun Li's solid position in the Chinese television industry. After many years in the industry, the actress continues to prove that the power of a well-developed role can overcome any fleeting trend. And when the debates about the title end, what remains with the audience are the characters she has created on screen.

Zhao Liying is being ridiculed, increasingly losing ground to B-list stars, and is she using her child to cling to fame? JLO15:26:42 18/01/2026An article from mainland Chinese media claimed that Zhao Liying no longer holds the same dominance as before, and at times is even less popular than some rising B-list actresses. This sparked a major wave of discussion.