Li Bingbing holds her award for Best Leading Actress for the film The Message at the 46th Golden Horse Awards in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan Province, November 28 (XINHUA)

Thirty-six-year-old Li burst into tears the minute she heard her name announced as the winner of the Best Leading Actress award at the Golden Horses for her role in spy flick The Message.

"I never thought I would be standing on this stage, accepting this award. I do not know what to say," she sobbed, speechless when presented with her Golden Horse.

The Message saw her second nomination for a Golden Horse award, following a Best Leading Actress nomination for The Knot in 2006.

"Life is interesting, with so many ups and downs, possibilities and impossibilities. I am thankful for all of the drama that has happened to me."

Li acknowledged the support and guidance from the cast and crew of The Message. She specifically thanked Zhou Xun, her costar in the film, who was also nominated for Best Leading Actress.

"Without Zhou's inspiring performance, I would not have won this award."

Li told the Global Times that the close relationship between her and Zhou, both in life and in work, was like a sisterhood, not one of fierce competition as rumored by the media.

"Me winning the award does not necessarily mean that my acting is better than Zhou's, or the other nominees," she added.

Li explained that to be nominated requires good acting skills while winning is a matter of luck.

Looking back over Li' acting career, which began with background roles and small supporting cameos in TV series, it is clear that her success today is not merely based on luck.

"She may not be the most talented actress of our time, but she is definitely one of the most hard working and mature," commented Tao Qian, a mainland art critic.

"My biggest wish is to be a good actress, a really good one," Li said, even after winning the award. She added that her schedule is currently full, with no holiday or celebration planned.

"Once I set my mind on something, I'm willing to pay any price, even my health. Acting tops everything in my life."

Li also said that winning the award was a milestone of sorts in her career, but she would not raise her remuneration demands for work.

"No payment is fine with me, as long as there is a good script and a good director."

(Global Times December 3, 2009)