The Golden Rooster Awards are decided by experts and are often criticized for their neglect of the box office and audience feedback. To rectify the situation and restore the festival's past glory, this week's event includes many of the blockbusters from early this year and 2008, including "The Assembly," "Forever Enthralled" and "Painted Skin." International stars Jackie Chan ("Police Story"), Andy Lau ("Infernal Affairs") and Zhou Xun ("The Equation of Love and Death") are expected to increase the festival's profile and draw attention to a comprehensive lineup of events.

Considered China's most successful commercial director, Feng Xiaogang ("If You Are the One") has benefitted from this year's sway toward blockbusters. Feng's "Cell Phone" was turned down by the organizing committee in 2003 as "pulp" and he has never been nominated for a Golden Roster. This year Feng and "The Assembly" have garnered nine nominations including Best Feature, Best Director and Best Leading Actor.

Busy with his latest work "The Tangshan Earthquake," Feng expressed his gratitude by confirming his participation in the festival, even though he will probably not be able to attend until the last day. "We have to support the film festival of our own country," he said.

Director Chen Kaige and his "Forever Enthralled" will be Feng's largest obstacle on his potential path to glory, as Chen's film has earned eight nominations.

In the category of Best Leading Actor, Zhang Hanyu is vying for his sixth award with his role in "The Assembly." He has been nominated alongside Wu Gang in "Iron Man" and Fan Wei in "Lucky Dog."