Vicki Zhao talks about getting nominated with first TV role in seven years
When one thinks of Chinese actress Vicki Zhao, it’s natural to picture her among the big league of A-list movie stars.
However, just like how Hollywood film actors Colin Farrell and Kevin Spacey are enjoying a renaissance of sorts on the small screen, Zhao is relishing the success of her first TV series in seven years.
Earlier this year, the mum of one starred in contemporary drama Tiger Mum, playing goal-oriented Type A personality mum Bi Shengnan, who constantly fears her preschooler daughter is lagging behind her peers in class.
Zhao’s performance has nabbed her a Best Actress in a Leading Role nomination at this year’s Asian Television Awards held here on Dec 3, an annual gala awards ceremony that celebrates the region’s best on the small screen.
She will be going up against Taiwan’s Ruby Lin, Hong Kong’s Kristal Tin and local actresses Suhaillah Salam and Felicia Chin among others.
“I’m very happy to be nominated as I haven’t done TV for seven years,” Zhao told The New Paper in an e-mail interview.
Prior to Tiger Mum, her last TV outing was 2009’s A Lady’s Epic, a heavy Cultural Revolution drama.
“Being nominated is definitely very encouraging.
“Tiger Mum was a great project to be part of, as I loved its realistic themes. Filming went without a hitch and the response we got from our audience was amazing too.”
Chinese actress Vicki Zhao (centre) and co-star Tong Dawei (right) are nominated at this year's Asian Television Awards. PHOTO: TIGER MUM OFFICIAL SINA WEIBOChinese actor Tong Dawei, who played Zhao’s docile husband Luo Su in Tiger Mum, is also nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
“Dawei is an old friend of mine and his acting has always been consistently amazing, I hope he wins,” she said.
Zhao will not be attending the Asian Television Awards at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, but it will be a star-studded night nevertheless, with performances by Indonesian singer Anggun, K-pop girl group Secret and Swedish boy band JTR.
She was also enthusiastic about going behind the camera.
Zhao, whose directorial debut So Young (2013) was a box-office hit in China, said: “Right now, I’m sourcing for locations, as well as doing casting for my next movie. Hopefully, I can start shooting after Chinese New Year.
“I would love to add another TV project to my portfolio, but with the ongoing preparations for my new movie, it’s going to be difficult.
"I don’t think I’d be able to act in another TV series for at least a year.”
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now