Sina.com reporters conducted a survey during the Cannes Film Festival. They wanted to determine which Chinese actress "is the most well-known" overseas. One set of survey forms was provided to twenty professional film journalists, the other set to twenty random Cannes tourists/residents. The people taking the survey were asked to sign their names on the forms, and the tabulation was videotaped. Results -- Tourists: No. 1 - Gong Li (11 votes); 2 - Zhang Ziyi (6 votes); 3 - Michelle Yeoh (3 votes). Film journalists: 1 - Gong Li (9 votes); 2 - Maggie Cheung, a member of the festival jury this year (6 votes); 3 - Zhang Ziyi (5 votes).

May 27: There is a mention on albawaba.com of the jewelry that Gong Li wore one week ago at the Cannes Film Festival. "Chopard has created the Red Carpet Collection to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of its special relationship with the world's most famous film event. Stars adorned with diamonds from the Red Carpet collection included Chinese actress Gong Li, who glittered in Chopard's multi-colored sapphire and rose-cut diamond chandelier earrings totaling 90 carats."

Jamie Kelwick of RealMovieNews.com reviews the "Hannibal Rising" DVD that will be released on Tuesday. Kelwick writes: "While [Webber's] visual flare is evident, the story lets the film down and just doesn't grab you… The beautiful Gong Li tries her best with a limited role as Hannibal's aunt Lady Murasaki… The DVD treatment for 'Hannibal Rising' should please fans of the cannibal franchise. The commentary track is very good and the featurettes cover most aspects of the film's production. One to sink your teeth into." One of the deleted/extended scenes is described as "Lady M and a photo of Hannibal."

May 25: An interview with Gong Li that was done in Cannes is published today in United Daily News (Taiwan). She was asked about the recent proliferation of tabloids in Asia and how she handles the various gossip items that are published about her. She said that she "totally ignores" such things, tries to laugh them off, and joked that she could thank them for giving her free publicity. She said that she would resort to legal action only if the content was harmful and intentionally malicious. She added that she is "confident that God sees all this."

Chinese actress Dong Xuan was asked during an interview today about being called "little Gong Li", a term that has been applied to several young starlets over the years. She said that it's not a bad thing to be called that, especially because Gong Li is her favorite actress. She admires Gong Li's temperament and feels that people can learn a lot from her demeanor.

May 24: CBS4.com includes a report on the popularity of American movies in Cuba. "They almost always show more American movies than Latin-American ones," a state TV worker said. Movie tickets are cheap, and the theater is "always packed on weekends." According to the reporter, "Hannibal Rising" is a "hit at the theaters."

May 23: Joel Martinsen of danwei.org reveals the results of a survey included in the May issue of Movie World magazine. About 600 non-Chinese people from several nations answered questions about Chinese film. Survey results for the question, "Who is your favorite Chinese movie star?": 1- Undecided (24%); 2-Jackie Chan (18%); 3-Bruce Lee (15%); 4-Gong Li (12%). "What Chinese movie elements do you like best?" The answer ranking No. 5 is, "Gong Li and all enchanting Chinese women".

During an interview on Monday in Cannes, Gong Li was asked about the state of the Chinese film industry. Her answer provides one of the reasons that her career focus is currently in the West. She commented that there is a lack of good scripts in China now, as many screenwriters are writing for television. Many of her previous films were based on great novels, but there are fewer quality novels being published, and directors are having to write their own scripts. She feels that with the development of the film market and more capital injected into the Chinese film industry, things will change for the better, but slowly.

May 22: A You Tube user has uploaded a L'Oreal promotional video of Gong Li that was recorded over the past few days during the Cannes Film Festival. (Thanks to Cocoa for the find.)

Thanks to NewPath for this item: "Per a local Chinese newspaper, in an interview right after the Chinese film forum [May 21], Gong Li allegedly said that she could not disclose the name and director of her next project, but it is a modern fantasy (or fictional?) type of Hollywood movie. No idea whether the report is accurate or not." Time will tell...

An article about the China Film Industry Forum held yesterday in Cannes is included in Shenzhen Daily. The reporter writes that Gong Li was "gracious, courteous and easygoing" when answering questions from reporters, and the journalists were very satisfied. She has paid a lot of attention to the development of the Chinese film industry and made many constructive suggestions during the forum. After the interview was concluded, Gong Li talked to reporters and staff and took requests "with no superstar airs".

May 21: From a sohu.com article: Gong Li and the L'Oréal president made an appearance at the China Film Industry Forum reception. According to reports, this is Gong Li's last appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. She will take a departing flight this afternoon, rest a little, and start a new job. She said that because her schedule is already set, she is unable to attend the closing ceremony. Regarding her next job, the specific title and director are not yet being revealed to the media.

May 20: Gong Li attended the "Chacun Son Cinema" All Directors Premiere and reception, walked the red carpet with L'Oreal co-spokespersons Andie MacDowell and Michelle Yeoh, and attended designer Roberto Cavalli's yacht party. A sohu.com reporter noted in an article published on Monday that Gong Li saw many old friends at the reception to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Cannes Film Festival. She said: "It was particularly comfortable on the first day to see Wong Kar-Wai, and again yesterday to see Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and a lot of old friends, and to have photographs of the occasion because it is very difficult to meet a lot of the people at home. At Cannes, we are all very happy." As a L'Oreal Asia ambassador invited to attend the 60th Cannes Film Festival, Gong Li said she knows how to be more self-confident, healthy and natural. "I am very grateful to the brand to sponsor the film festival as there is not so much sponsorship money available; otherwise, the film festival would not be so successful. I hope that this brand may sponsor a Chinese film festival."

One of the events Gong Li attended during the Cannes Film Festival is a Lunch for Film Français at the Plage des Palmes on Saturday where she was interviewed. She spoke about how the festival has changed over the years since she was a member of the jury in 1997: "I find that the festival is better and better organized. It is marvelous to see the public continuing its passion for films. It is a grand celebration of cinema, and I am delighted to be here." She was asked about the talk of her making a film with Tim Burton. She replied: "What is certain is that I will shoot films in the United States because the choice of scripts and directors is much bigger than in China. But nothing is signed yet." She was also asked what films she has seen so far during the festival, and answered: "My Blueberry Nights by Wong Kar-Wai, which I adored. I would have liked to see some more, but I unfortunately did not have the time."

May 19: Gong Li accepted interviews with sohu.com and sina.com today at her hotel. She did not disclose the name of her next project, but confirmed that the next role has already been decided, it is in a Hollywood film, and she will depart Cannes on Monday to start her new job. Her next few projects will be Hollywood films, and she has a few scripts in hand from which to choose. She was asked about opportunities for Asian actors in Hollywood, and replied that if a producer or director likes an actor, they will tailor a role specifically for that actor. She was asked if she thinks that foreign producers look at her international reputation as a key element in casting her. She said that good directors need good actors. An actor may have name recognition, but if they are not a good actor, a good director will not choose them. She was also asked if she has received her Hong Kong Film award and she replied that she has not because she was in the U.S. prior to traveling to Cannes.

    ->May 19 Photos    ->Sina Video    ->Sohu Video   ->Sohu Video 2

May 18: Elysabeth writes in her blog for French Elle magazine: "Gong Li doesn't know it, but she is one of my favorite actresses. I had the occasion to approach her at Cannes for about six minutes, the maximum length of interviews granted by the muses of L'Oreal. During this short amount of time, it was impossible to talk seriously about cinema. I fell back on subjects of such high importance as the brand of her shoes (Roberto Cavalli), what she will wear this evening [May 16] (it's top secret), her beauty secrets (a lot of sleep), etc. Here is a photograph taken during the interviews granted by the actress. Girls will know that Gong Li has an armada of assistants around her in order to make her photogenic. What is there to reassure us when we are all alone in front of our mirrors?"

May 17: Gong Li is mentioned in a Presse Canadienne article about the Cannes Film Festival. I translated as follows: "The sublime Gong Li is back. After two years of consecutive absence, the Chinese actress climbed the steps of the Palais des Festivals Wednesday evening for the opening ceremony. She was part of the ambassadress team of the big cosmetics company that is a sponsor of the festival [L'Oreal], and accompanied Andie MacDowell, Kerry Washington and Aishwarya Rai. Gong Li is accustomed to la Croisette, since she has missed only four of the last fifteen festivals (2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006). Discovered here in 'Ju Dou' in 1990, she returned to Cannes in 1993 for 'Farewell My Concubine', in 1994 in 'To Live', in 1995 for 'Shanghai Triad', in 1996 for 'Temptress Moon', in 1997 as a member of the jury, in 1998 to award the Palm d'Or, in 1999 for 'The Emperor and The Assassin', in 2000 and 2002 for L'Oreal, and in 2004 for '2046' [she was also awarded the Trophy of the Festival in 2004]. After having started a Hollywood career recently ('Memoirs of a Geisha', 'Miami Vice', 'Hannibal Rising'), she is more at ease when speaking English and no longer refuses interviews in this language."

A TimesNow.tv reporter writes: "Gong Li has also arrived in Cannes, lending more glamour quotient to the opening night of the festival, which is now in its 60th year." Gong Li said: "The Cannes Film Festival is supportive of the film industry, so I think it is our duty to come here and to contribute to this event. I think the Cannes Film Festival provides the Chinese actors and actresses a platform to become more well know by the international film industry as well as by the international directors, actors and actresses. If it wasn't for the Cannes Film Festival, the Chinese film actors and actresses wouldn't be that well known."

From a report on last night's Cannes festivities on ent.163.com: "Wong Kar-Wai held a private party in a hotel and invited many of the big stars who were present at the festival. Although Gong Li left the party after ten minutes and she was very low-key, she still attracted the attention of local media and other party guests. She was very generous to those who wanted to take photographs, and she seemed to be in a very good mood. She also chatted with Chang Chen [her co-star in Wong Kar-Wai's "Eros-The Hand"]. Reporters could not hear the specific content of their conversation, but the two could be seen laughing."

->Video reports (thanks, NewPath):  Leaving hotel  /  Leaving the screening  /  Wong Kar-Wai party

May 16: Gong Li walked the red carpet today at the Cannes Film Festival, along with L'Oreal co-spokespersons Andie MacDowell, Kerry Washington and Aishwarya Rai, attended the opening day screening of Wong Kar-Wai's "My Blueberry Nights", as well as the opening gala dinner.   ->Photos (updated May 17)   ->Video 1   ->Video 2

Gong Li arrived in Cannes yesterday and was photographed was at the airport and her hotel lobby. A United Daily News reporter wrote: "Gong Li went today [May 15] from Paris to Cannes. She is one of the beautiful L'Oreal Ambassadors, and the hotel where she is staying [Hotel Martinez] was immediately surrounded by a large number of members of the media." She will attend the opening ceremony tonight.

May 15: For those in the New York City area -- A special screening of "The Story of Qiu Ju" will be held on June 5 at 7:30 pm at the Walter Reade Theater, 165 West 65th Street. Michael Barker, Co-President of Sony Pictures Classics, will introduce the film. Honors include: Golden Lion and Best Actress at the 1992 Venice Film Festival, Best Actress at the Golden Rooster Awards.  More info/tickets

May 14: A sohu.com report published today about the Cannes Film Festival includes info about Gong Li's activities. The festival president invited her to attend the 60th anniversary, and once word got out that she was planning on attending, many invitations to events were extended to her. In addition to walking the red carpet at the opening ceremony on May 16, she is expected to participate in festival activities through May 21, the first day of the Chinese Film Industry Forum. A sohu.com team will be present in Cannes to report on the events. (Thanks to NewPath for the tip on the article.)

May 13: The Guardian (UK) includes an article about the Cannes Film Festival in which director Mike Leigh reminisces about serving on the festival jury in 1997: "It was an operation of integrity and privacy. We all attended screenings at 8:30 every morning and there were strict rules; we weren't even allowed to go to the loo [restroom]. It was a fantastic jury, including Paul Auster, Michael Ondaatje, Tim Burton, Gong Li and Nanni Moretti, and we had brilliant discussions about all the films."

In the Independent (UK) article, "And Cannes Created Woman", Jonathan Romney recalls previous highlights at the festival: "Gong Li -- Torrid melodrama, beautifully photographed billowing red fabrics, and the most sublimely troubled expression in cinema - Zhang Yimou's 1990 film Ju Dou made Gong Li the first global screen icon to emerge from China. She continued to wow Cannes in films such as Zhang's Shanghai Triad, Chen Kaige's Farewell My Concubine and Wong Kar-Wai's futuristic 2046 - as well as on billboards along the Croisette, as one of the celebrity faces of the L'Oréal ads. Oh, she's worth it all right."

May 11: Gong Li has been nominated for an Asian Excellence award for her performance in "Curse of the Golden Flower". The honors are awarded by AZN Television. The other Best Actress nominees are: Maggie Cheung, "Clean"; Rinko Kikuchi, "Babel"; Tabu, "The Namesake".

May 9: From an article included in the Chinese book on beauty, "Sophisticated": Gong Li "is the representative of the East in the West. Her grace and sexy elegance have conquered the world, and she is our pride. She is the most beautiful of China's international spokespersons, and she has attracted the world's attention to China. She has fans all over the world. Her international achievements, status and honors are unprecedented."

May 6: Box office news from the Hollywood Reporter: "Overseas cume updates... Universal's 'Curse of the Golden Flower,' $2.8 million (Universal territories only)." The film has grossed approximately $75 million world-wide.

May 5: A United Daily News (Taiwan) reporter spoke with Gong Li's manager, Christophe Tseng, about her activities at the Cannes Film Festival. She will be very busy during the festival with various events, including the opening ceremony and appearances for festival sponsors L'Oreal and Chopard. Chang Chen, who starred opposite Gong Li in "Eros", is also planning on attending the fest, and Gong Li is reportedly delighted at the opportunity to see "younger brother" again. When asked about the rumors that Gong Li may make an appearance accompanied by her boyfriend, Tseng asked if anyone thinks that is really possible, alluding to her desire to keep her personal life as private as possible. (Thanks to NewPath for the link to the article.)

May 4: Pop idol and musical theatre star Fei Xiang (aka Kris Phillips) mentioned Gong Li as a positive role model when he gave a talk yesterday to performing arts contestants in Chongqing. He advised the amateur performers to study Gong Li's performances, which he says he loves, and to avoid negative behavior like that demonstrated recently by Britney Spears.

May 3: The "Hannibal Rising" R1 DVD is available for pre-order at Barnes & Noble. UPC: 796019802413; Presentation: Wide Screen; Edition: Uncensored; Time: 2:01. The item will be released on May 29.

May 2: Magazine alert -- An article and full-page photo of Gong Li are included in Issue #232 of Studio magazine (France).

May 1: NetAndTV.com (China) includes a nice commentary on Gong Li's recent comeback in the eyes of movie-goers. The writer notes that she is the first Chinese actress to become an international star due to her "unusual refined appeal and performing skill". Even though many years have passed since her film debut and she faded out of people's line of sight for a while, she has aged like fine wine. Through her recent film releases - "Memoirs of a Geisha", "Miami Vice" and "Curse of the Golden Flower" - she remains "the most dazzling Chinese star".