Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi confused by Vincent Lindon's kiss at Venice Film Festival

Zhang, 45, attended the festival's closing ceremony on Sept. 7, where she served as a jury member and presented the best actor award. Her interaction with the recipient, Vincent Lindon, has since stirred controversy on Weibo.

As part of the formalities, Vincent greeted Zhang with customary kisses on both cheeks while accepting his award. However, while the first kiss was polite, the second was more forceful and direct, leaving Zhang momentarily unsettled, though she maintained a polite smile.

Later, during a photo session after the presentation, Vincent placed his arm around Zhang's back, further adding to her apparent confusion.

Many Weibo users criticized the French actor’s actions, labeling them as "unusual" and "inappropriate," while others attributed the behavior to "cultural differences."

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi at the Venice Film Festival in Italy, Sept. 7, 2024. Photo from Instagram

According to Sin Chew, Zhang wore a custom black Gucci gown on the festival's red carpet. The high-slit gown, which was minimally revealing with a simple yet elegant design, accentuated her slender legs. Bold makeup, wet-look hair, and diamond jewelry added to her striking visual appeal, enhancing her graceful appearance.

Zhang’s recent appearance at a Shanghai event in August earned her praise from fans for "regaining her form" and showcasing "more confidence and beauty" following her high-profile divorce from Chinese rock musician Wang Feng in October 2023.

Zhang gained international recognition for her role in the 2000 film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards. She has also won numerous accolades for her role in the 2013 film "The Grandmaster."

Wang, 53, gained immense popularity as a rock musician and as a coach on "The Voice of China." The couple married in 2015, marking Zhang’s first marriage and Wang’s third.