Chinese actress Zhou Xun to be honored as 'Star of the year'

(AFP PHOTO/Sam YEH)

Thirty-three-year-old Zhou Xun -- the most popular actress in mainland China -- will be honored with the Star of the Year award at CineAsia exhibition and distribution convention in Hong Kong on December 10.

Thirty-three-year-old Zhou Xun - the most popular actress in mainland China - will be honored with the Star of the Year award at CineAsia exhibition and distribution convention in Hong Kong on December 10.

A veteran of 18 years in show business as both an an internationally acclaimed actor and singer, Zhou recently starred in the Chinese box office smash The Message and has two movies, True Legend and Confucius (with actor Chow Yun-fat) lined up for release in 2010.

Zhou has previously picked up awards for Best Actress ( Perhaps Love) and Best Supporting Actress ( The Banquet) at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2006 and 2007 respectively. She was also named Best Actress at Taiwan's Golden Horse awards - considered the Chinese film industry's Oscars - for her role as the star-crossed lover in Perhaps Love.