‘Swords into Plowshares’ Triumphs at Magnolia Awards, ‘Silent Honor’ Grabs Grand Prix

The Chinese historical drama Swords into Plowshares was honored with the Best TV Series award and two other accolades at the 31st Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Awards ceremony on June 26.

The 48-episode epic production follows the journey of a monarch during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in China, depicting how he took the welfare of the people as his duty and played a pivotal role in bringing peace to the Northern Song Dynasty.

Dong Zhe, the series’ creator, won the Best Original Screenplay award for his full portrayal of dark turmoil, a work rooted in firm historical research. Dong Yong, who played an ancient official in this period, received the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He thanked the production team for their support, and joked that his daughter's birth had brought good luck to his acting career.

The Grand Prix award was given to Chinese espionage drama Silent Honor, while Yu Hewei, the series' principal actor, took home the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for his resolute portrayal of the undercover warrior Wu Shi.

Receiving the Magnolia Award for the third time, Yu expressed his delight at gaining recognition from the jurors and extended his gratitude to the director who entrusted him with the role. "I have studied this history and feel deeply honored to have shaped such a hero," he said. "In creating this character with a profound, well-defined soul, I have also nurtured the growth of my own spiritual world." 

Li Xue won Best Director award for Born to be Alive, an engaging drama that grounds grand ecological themes in intimate personal tales. Its lead actress, Yang Zi, portraying a plateau ranger growing in purpose from duty to faith amid the harsh wilderness, was named Best Actress. 

“I think that no path in life is walked in vain; every step counts,” said Yang, clutching the trophy and weeping tears of joy. She said she always used to consider herself a bit short on luck, but now feels encouraged and believes those who hold fast to their dreams and work hard will reach the heights they aspire to.

The cast and crew of The Thriving Land also garnered two honors, with Wang He claiming the Best Adapted Screenplay award and Chi Peng being selected as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the audience's love and dedication, Chi said she would continue to be passionate about acting and genuinely cherish every role she plays.

Chai Ran secured the Best Cinematography award for The Narcotic Operation, where he skillfully adopted a raw and realistic texture through using handheld shots and stark lighting. Lou Pan was awarded the Best Art Direction award for designing historically grounded, warm-toned scenes in “A Love Never Lost.”

Task Season 1 from America received the Best Foreign TV Series/Serial award, while Generation from Denmark won the Best Foreign TV Film/Miniseries award. The Fabulous Story of Money, a China-France co-production, was bestowed with the Special Award.

Child of Dust, a co-production between Poland, Vietnam, Sweden, Czech Republic and Qatar, was declared the Best Documentary Award. The Chinese documentary Hi Lives received the Best Documentary Series award.

In the animation category, Ling Cage II, produced by China, won Best Animation award, while The Scarecrows’ Wedding from UK won Best Animated Screenplay. Amazing Night 2 and Chinese Craftsmanship were both recognized as Best Variety Programs.

The TV festival also awarded the International Communication Award to four excellent productions: the animation Sheriff Labrador, the documentary Panda Kingdom, the TV drama Swords into Plowshares and the variety program Amazing Chinese Solar Terms.

Also at the event, actress Yang Mi and actor Bai Yu were announced as Overseas Promotion Ambassadors for Chinese TV programs.