The annual Golden Horse Awards ceremony for outstanding achievements in the film industry in the Republic of China, was held Oct. 24 in the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. Chinese and foreign guests praised the ceremony's smooth pace and non-stop entertainment, which reflected the detailed planning and cooperation of all those involved in its organization.

The Government Information Office (GIO) of the Executive Yuan sponsors the event every year to honor artists in the cinema industry, and to raise the standards of movies produced in Taiwan. This year's 19th Golden Horse Awards Ceremony showed amply how the industry is forging ahead towards the goals of artistry, professionalism and internationalism. Held in conjunction with the ceremony were an international movie festival and professional lectures given by famous Chinese directors and actors of the 1970s.

Among foreign guests were American actress Joan Fontaine; German actor, Horst Bucholz; Hunter Todd of the Houston Film Festival; James Roberts, Executive Director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; and John Addison and Walter Scott, Governors of the Academy. Dr James Soong, Director General of the GIO, commented that foreign guests are invited to convey their impressions of the Republic of China's cinema industry to a worldwide audience.

Addressing the awards ceremony, Dr. Soong said: "Over the past few years, because of the global recession, the development of our nation's cinema industry has been seriously threatened. Returns and profits on investments in movies have not been ideal. However, there are a few farsighted individuals who have continuously safeguarded the industry and put all their energy into its development. We certainly must admire their dedication and contributions to art."

Fulfilling Dr. Soong's desire for the movie industry to take part in the organization of the Golden Horse ceremony, 40 officials from the industry and the GIO worked together on the project this year. This new cooperation paid off well, since most spectators agreed that this year's ceremony was the best ever, perhaps even more spectacular than the Asian Film Festival. James Roberts, who was making his second trip to Taiwan to take part in the ceremony, gave the show his highest acclaim.

This year's ceremony, hosted by Chiang Kuang-chao and Teresa Hu, opened with the presentation of the award for best supporting actress to Yeh Te-hsien, while the best supporting actor award went to Ku Fong for his performance in "Tiger Killer". Receiving the cinematography award, for his "Portrait of a Fanatic" ("Sinorama", Oct. 1982), Lin Hung-chung, said: "This horse runs faster and faster every year. This year, I had a hard time catching him."

During the ceremony James Roberts was interviewed by hostess Teresa Hu. His first words to the audience were in Chinese, "Ni hao ma?" (How are you?). He later went on to praise the success of the Golden Horse Awards Ceremony and invited the Republic of China to enter one of its films for a Hollywood Oscar in the foreign film category.

Horst Bucholz said he hopes to participate in the Golden Horse Awards again, and next time hopes to speak a little Chinese too.

The climax of the evening was undoubtedly the presentation of the best actor and actress awards, respectively to Eddie for his performance in "Man on the Brink," and Wang Ping for her role in "Tiger Killer". Wang Ping has given up her acting career to get married, so the award had special meaning for her. Wang remarked how lucky she was to live in this free and democratic country.

The final award for best film, which went to "The Battle for the ROC", brought the 2 1/2-hour ceremony to a climax.

Some observers, however, were disturbed by the fact that films made in Hong Kong won all the big awards. They were reminded of this year's Asian Film Festival, where films from the ROC were considered to be sub-standard. Many people felt that as the awards ceremony itself is getting better every year, the movies likewise should be improved.

These critics were answered by Dr. Soong, who pointed out that the GIO is taking steps to help the movie industry. Among other things, he mentioned that new regulations have been drawn up governing movies and have already been sent to the Legislative Yuan for approval. The censorship system is also under review, and one idea being put forward is the inclusion of private citizens and film industry representatives on the review committee. A rating system similar to that used in the U.S. is also under consideration so that all movies are not made especially with children in mind, and can more easily accommodate adult themes. In this way, it is hoped locally made films will eventually reach international standards.

[Picture Caption]

1. Dr. James Soong, Director General of the GIO, sitting with his wife in the audience before getting up to give his speech. 2. This year's simple set was highly praised. 3. The host and hostess, Chiang Kuang-chao and Teresa Hu. 4. A performance of Chinese folk dance.

1. This year's performances were more elaborate than ever before. 2. Wang Ping, this year's leading actress, with her award. 3. Eddie won the award for best actor because of his work in "Man on the Brink". 4. The best supporting actor and actress, Ku Fong and Yeh Te-hsien. 5. Chou Pin-chun, the best child actor. 6. A special award was given to Chuang Ping-li in recognition of her late husband's contributions to Chinese cinema.

1-5. Among those presenting awards were movie company executives, writers, singers, directors, and record holding athletes. 6. Cheng Shao-chiou and Su Chu's light humor evoked many laughs from the audience. 7&8. Live performances added to the splendor of the evening.

1,2,4. Hostess Teresa Hu interviewed foreign guests Horst Bucholz, James Roberts, and Joan Fontaine. 3. One of the many dance numbers. 5. Foreign guests visiting the National Palace Museum. 6. Horst Bucholz admiring the scenery around Hualien. 7. Joan Fontaine celebrated a birthday while she was here.

This year's simple set was highly praised.

The host and hostess, Chiang Kuang-chao and Teresa Hu.

A performance of Chinese folk dance.

This year's performances were more elaborate than ever before.

Wang Ping, this year's leading actress, with her award.

Eddie won the award for best actor because of his work in Man on the Brink.

The best supporting actor and actress, Ku Fong and Yeh Te-hsien.

Chou Pin-chun, the best child actor.

A special award was given to Chuang Ping-li in recognition of her late husband's contributions to Chinese cinema.

Among those presenting awards were movie company executives, writers, singers, directors, and record holding athletes.

Among those presenting awards were movie company executives, writers, singers, directors, and record holding athletes.

Among those presenting awards were movie company executives, writers, singers, directors, and record holding athletes.

Among those presenting awards were movie company executives, writers, singers, directors, and record holding athletes.

Among those presenting awards were movie company executives, writers, singers, directors, and record holding athletes.

Cheng Shao-chiou and Su Chu's light humor evoked many laughs from the audience.

Live performances added to the splendor of the evening.

Live performances added to the splendor of the evening.

Hostess Teresa Hu interviewed foreign guests Horst Bucholz, James Roberts, and Joan Fontaine.

Hostess Teresa Hu interviewed foreign guests Horst Bucholz, James Roberts, and Joan Fontaine.

One of the many dance numbers.

Hostess Teresa Hu interviewed foreign guests Horst Bucholz, James Roberts, and Joan Fontaine.

Foreign guests visiting the National Palace Museum.

Horst Bucholz admiring the scenery around Hualien.

Joan Fontaine celebrated a birthday while she was here.