Actress Yang Mi praised for giving Zhang Ziyi spotlight at Cannes Film Festival

(From L) Actress Yang Mi, actor Lei Jiayin, director Peter Ho-Sun Chan, actress Zhang Ziyi, and actor Da Peng pose on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening of the film "She's Got No Name" at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 24, 2024. Photo by Reuters

According to Sinchew, Yang and Zhang were at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on Saturday to promote their upcoming movie "She’s Got No Name." Yang caught attention for her discreet conduct, often stepping aside in group photos instead of positioning herself at the center, allowing Zhang to be the focal point on the red carpet and during media events.

In her interviews, Yang consistently thanked the director, her co-actors, and the film crew for their support and care, crediting them for the film crew’s success.

Her behavior led many online commentators to commend her, making her respectful demeanor the most read topic on the Chinese social media platform Weibo on the same day.

"While everyone aims to stand out at such a significant event, Yang Mi gracefully did not seek the primary spotlight during the Cannes days," one Weibo user praised the actress. "Elegant and subdued, modest and courteous, she shows great respect for the veterans! She earns a perfect score."

"Yang Mi is a star herself, but she neither overshadows her juniors nor boasts, nor does she outshine her seniors," another commented. "Her conduct is truly fitting for a star of her stature."

Chinese actress Yang Mi at the Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2024. Photo from Yang's Instagram

Yang, 38, began her acting career as a child actress and gained broad recognition with her role as the time-traveling lead in the 2011 hit historical romance drama "Palace."

She has been recognized by local media as one of the New Four Dan Actresses, a label for the successors to the four top-grossing actresses in China including Xu Jinglei, Zhou Xun, Vicki Zhao, and Zhang Ziyi.

Zhang, 45, has achieved international fame for her role in the 2000 film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which received 10 Academy Award nominations. She has also garnered multiple awards for her performance in the 2013 movie "The Grandmaster."