Black & White sweeps Golden Bell amid controversy

Black & White sweeps Golden Bell amid controversy


TAIPEI: Popular cop drama "Black & White" dominated Taiwan's recent Golden Bell Awards with five wins, but an area of grey hung over the show's success.

The television series, which was nominated for 11 categories, won awards for Best Drama, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Art Direction and Best Marketing.

Newbie actor Mark Chao upset crowd favourite former F4 member Vic Chou to win the Best Actor award, sparkling controversies the former had the advantage of his influential father, Allen Chao.

The results were also reportedly leaked to reporters prior to the award ceremony. China Times said that the Best Actor and Best Actress winners were made known to the press at about 8pm, while Chou had heard the news from fellow nominee Show Luo at around 9pm.

Although Chou had stated he "did not care" about failing to win the award, he reportedly wrote on his website he had "heard some conspiracies and was in a bad mood". His manager also revealed the actor may not act in the upcoming "Black & White" movie.

A teary Chao on-stage expressed gratitude to Chou in his thank-you speech, but Chou appeared awkward and resisted efforts to get him into the limelight to share the moment.

Award officials denied the results were leaked ahead of the prize ceremony, and claimed the scores were only tabulated 20 minutes ahead of the official announcement.

The jury also said Chao deserved the award for outshining Chou on all fronts in the drama.

A lifetime achievement was awarded to late actress Wen Ying, 73, to recognise her dedication to the entertainment business. She had died in August from lung cancer.

Linda Liu won Best Actress for her role in Marriage for Three Women, Chen Po-cheng took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy for his part in You're My One and Only while Phoebe Huang was named Best Supporting Actress for Time Story.

Veteran host Hu Gua was finally crowned Best Host for the quiz show Go To Top 101, after being nominated 14 times in the category.

- CNA/yb

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