Shu Qi has been nominated for best actress for her performance in "The Assassin." (Photo : Well Go USA)
Hou Hsiao-hsien's "The Assassin" received 11 nominations at the 52nd Golden Horse Awards, Asia's equivalent to the Academy Awards, garnering the most awards in the competition, as reported by China Daily.
The nominations of "The Assassin" include best screenplay, best director and best actress for its lead Shu Qi.
Director Chang Tso-Chi's "Thanatos, Drunk" received nominations for 10 awards. The film tells the story of two brothers who struggle with their overbearing mother.
Director Jia Zhangke's "Mountains May Depart" received the nomination for best screenplay. Jia was previously awarded the Carrosse d'Or in May at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
Nominations for best actor include Feng Xiaogang in "Mr. Six," Deng Chao in "The Dead End" and Dong Zijian in "Delan." Feng's nomination comes as a surprise as he normally works behind the camera, directing films like "1942" and "If You Are the One."
Nominations for best actress, along with Shu Qi, include Karena Lam in "Zinnia Flower," Sylvia Chang in "Office," Zhao Tao in "Mountains May Depart" and Vivian Sung in "My Girlhood."
The critically acclaimed "Monkey King: Hero Is Back" and Hong Kong production "McDull: Me & My Mum" are both nominated for best animated feature.
Hou is set to be awarded "outstanding film worker in Taiwan" at the award ceremony to celebrate his many years of contribution to the art of filmmaking. "The Assassin" in particular has attracted international acclaim for Taiwanese cinema.
Singers Eason Chan and Raine Yang are set to perform during the award ceremony.
A total of 427 works--a record high--were submitted to this year's awards.
The 52nd Golden Horse Awards will take place on Nov. 21.
