'Swords into Plowshares' Leads Winners at 31st Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards

The 31st Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards were presented on June 26, with historical epic "Swords into Plowshares" emerging as the night's biggest winner and "Silent Honor" claiming the prestigious Grand Prix.

"Swords into Plowshares" took home five awards, including Best TV Series (China), Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, and the International Communication Award (TV Drama). Its lead actor, Bai Yu, was also named Overseas Promotion Ambassador for Chinese TV Programmes.

Set during the turbulent Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the series follows a monarch who places the welfare of his people above all else and plays a pivotal role in laying the foundations for peace in the Northern Song Dynasty.

Centered on the theme of "longing for peace amid chaos," the drama explores ordinary people's desire for stability while bringing history vividly to life.

The Grand Prix went to "Silent Honor," with its lead actor Yu Hewei also winning Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of an undercover hero. The award marked Yu's third Magnolia Award and his second Best Actor trophy.

"I have studied this history and feel deeply honored to have shaped such a hero," Yu said after receiving the award. "In creating this character with a profound, well-defined soul, I have also nurtured the growth of my own spiritual world."

"Born to Be Alive" was another major winner of the evening. The drama's director, Li Xue, was named Best Director. Yang Zi received Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance as a plateau ranger.

The victory made her the first actress born in the 1990s to win the award.

"I think that no path in life is walked in vain; every step counts," Yang said. Reflecting on her career, she added that while she once felt she was short on luck, she now believes that people who stay true to their dreams and work hard will ultimately reach their goals.

Other major honors went to "This Thriving Land," which earned two awards: Best Adapted Screenplay for Wang He and Best Supporting Actress for Chi Peng.

Chai Ran won Best Cinematography for "The Narcotic Operation," while Lou Pan received Best Art Direction for "A Love Never Lost."

In the international competition, "Task Season 1" from the United States won Best Foreign TV Series/Serial, while Denmark's "Generations" received Best Foreign TV Film/Miniseries. The China-France co-production "The Fabulous Story of Money" was awarded the Special Award.

In documentary categories, "Child of Dust," a co-production involving Poland, Vietnam, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Qatar, won Best Documentary, while the Chinese series "Hi Lives" was named Best Documentary Series.

Chinese production "Ling Cage II" won Best Animation, while the United Kingdom's "The Scarecrows' Wedding" received Best Animated Screenplay.

In the variety category, "Amazing Night 2" and "Chinese Craftsmanship" were both honored as Best Variety Programs.

The festival also presented International Communication Awards to four productions: the animated series "Sheriff Labrador," the documentary "Panda Kingdom," the drama "Swords into Plowshares," and the variety show "Amazing Chinese Solar Terms."