AN awards ceremony held in Beijing’s 798 art district Tuesday recognized 10 of China’s best known cultural icons — people who helped shape modern culture in this country, for their contributions to the country’s cultural scene.

Entertainment, fine arts and commercial heavyweights came to the awards ceremony. Film director Wang Xiaoshuai was among those deemed to have made a great cultural contribution. His film, “In Love We Trust,” won the Silver Bear Award at this year’s Berlin Film Festival.

Wang’s films — though critically acclaimed — have not been big box-office winners. As an independent filmmaker, he’s had to work under severe budget constraints. He expressed the hope that his projects would be able to attract more funding in the future.

Cinematographer-turned-director Gu Changwei was also recognized for his contribution. His first film “Peacock” was honored in Berlin. His second film “And the Spring Comes” will be released soon.

“This award honors dreams, and the strength and the will to realize them. I feel rather humbled that I should be honored in this way. Sometimes I make compromises with the reality — so I’m not like the lead character of ‘And the Spring Comes,’ who remains focused on her dreams in the face of hard reality,” said Gu.

Other awardees included the founder of the Chinese Web site Netease Ding Lei, painter Fang Lijun, percussionist Li Biao, and the CEO of Huayi Brothers film production company Wang Zhongjun.

(SD-Agencies)