Ang Lee heads home as favorite at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards

HONG KONG (AP) - Ang Lee has been treated like a rock star on his home island after winning Oscars for his kung fu hit «Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon» and the gay romance «Brokeback Mountain». The U.S.-based Taiwanese director is returning to another hero's welcome this weekend for the 44th Golden Horse Awards ceremony in Taipei on Saturday, the Chinese-language equivalent of the Oscars. His spy thriller «Lust, Caution» is up for 11 prizes, including best director and best picture.

Lee's every move is closely watched by the Chinese-speaking world and his new film about the sexually charged relationship between an undercover activist and the Japanese-allied spy chief in World War II-era Shanghai is no exception.

The movie was a box office hit both in Taiwan and mainland China and generated much discussion about its steamy sex scenes, which were cut in China. It also rekindled interest in famed writer Eileen Chang, who wrote the short story on which the movie was based.
At the Golden Horse Awards, «Lust, Caution» is up for best film and Lee is up for best director. Veteran Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai, who played the spy chief, is up for best actor and Chinese newcomer Tang Wei, who played the activist, was short listed for best actress.

News source: Ang Lee heads home as favorite at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards (AP)

News tag: Ang Lee Golden Horse Awards Lust, Caution Brokeback Mountain Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Related titles: Lust, Caution (2007) Brokeback Mountain (2005) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Related persons: Ang LEE Eileen CHANG