"The nomination for the film Summer Palace is good recognition for me. I don't care whether I win or not. After all, the Cannes Film Festival is such a big event and it is an honor for me to be competing with big Hollywood names like Brad Pitt." This is what young Chinese actor Guo Xiaodong had to say at a press conference held yesterday in Beijing. 　　

 

The Chinese film Summer Palace, with Guo Xiaodong in the leading role, is the only Asian film in Cannes' main competition section, while the actor himself is in contention for the Best Actor award. 　

 

　

 

The press conference was held for the film and actor before they head to Cannes for the event. 　　

 

Guo's strongest competitors include Brad Pitt for his starring role in Babel Tower by Mexico's Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

 

During the shooting of the nominated film, Summer Palace, the actor kept a journal about his acting experiences and thoughts-amounting to around 100,000 words. 　　

 

The film Summer Palace tells a story of two youth who are fond of the arts, as they experience their love against the backdrop of changing times and surroundings.　 　　

 

Hong Kong Director Wong Kar-Wai will be the head of the jury for this year's festival, making him the first Chinese to be chairperson of the panel.

 

(CRI April 28, 2006)