BIOGRAPHY

1965: Born on December 31 in Shenyang, China. Raised in Jinan, China.

1985: Enrolled at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijng to study acting.

1987: Chosen by Zhang Yimou for the lead role in "Red Sorghum", his directorial debut.

1989-1995: Graduated from university, starred in all of Zhang Yimou's films: "Ju Dou", "Raise The Red Lantern", "The Story of Qiu Ju", "To Live", "Shanghai Triad". Also starred in several other films, most notably, "Farewell My Concubine", "Temptress Moon", "Mary From Beijing", "A Soul Haunted By Painting".

Awards received during this period include: 1989 Hundred Flowers Award (Best Supporting Actress, "Codename Cougar"), Volpi Cup at the 1992 Venice Film Festival (Best Actress in "The Story of Qiu Ju"), 1993 Golden Rooster (China's "Oscar" - Best Actress, "The Story of Qiu Ju"), 1993 Hundred Flowers Award (Best Actress, "Raise The Red Lantern"), Berlinale Film Festival's Golden Kamera, and 1993 New York Film Critics Circle award (Best Supporting Actress, "Farewell, My Concubine").

1996: Married Singaporean business executive Huang Hexiang on February 15.

1997: Made her English language debut opposite Jeremy Irons in Wayne Wang's "Chinese Box". Served on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival.

1998: Received the Ordres des Arts et des Lettres for her contribution to world cinema. Appointed a delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (Gong Li is a member of a democratic party).

1999-2000: Starred in Chen Kaige's "The Emperor and the Assassin" and Sun Zhou's "Breaking The Silence". 

Awards received during this period include: China's Golden Rooster and Montreal Film Festival awards (Best Actress in "Breaking The Silence") and Montreal's Grand Prix Special des Amériques for exceptional contribution to cinematographic art.