In recent years, the spotlight in the Chinese drama market has largely been dominated by post-95s (born after 1995) young actresses. From sweet romance idol dramas and historical epic series to realistic contemporary stories, numerous rising stars have showcased mature acting skills through their works. Recently, the social media platform Weibo released the voting results of its 'Most Recognized Post-95s Actresses' poll, revealing the audience's ranking of the most skilled leading actresses. This list features many popular stars, and below is a detailed breakdown of the rankings from 10th to 1st place.
10th Place: Zhang Yaqin in 'Ancient Love Poetry'
Zhang Yaqin, who previously gained attention in 'Fuyao: The Legend of Condor Hero' and 'Eternal Love of Dream,' portrayed the character Lu Yuan in 'Ancient Love Poetry.' She demonstrated exceptional emotional depth, conveying restrained yet profound feelings through subtle eye movements and facial expressions, with minimal dialogue required.
9th Place: Zhang Jingyi in 'Wild Dog Bone'
Known as the 'professional of broken-hearted heroines,' Zhang Jingyi delivered standout performances in 'Unrequited Love' and 'Lighting Up My Heart, Warming You.' In 'Wild Dog Bone,' she played Miao Jing, a character living under others' roofs, perfectly capturing her defensive nature and stubborn personality. Her nuanced expressions and original voice acting received widespread acclaim.
8th Place: Tian Xiwie in 'Chasing the Jade'
Previously known for her sweet, ancient-costume 'cute girl' image, Tian Xiwie broke free from her idol drama mold in 'Chasing the Jade.' She portrayed a character who evolves from a pig-slaughtering girl to a female general, creating strong on-screen chemistry with Zhang Linghe and showcasing her ability to take on more diverse and complex roles.
7th Place: Dai Luwa in 'Moonlight and Starlight'
After gaining recognition for her performance in 'Lost You Forever,' Dai Luwa took on the challenge of dual roles in 'Moonlight and Starlight,' playing both Fu Ling, the demon queen, and Bai Xi, the protagonist's elder sister. She seamlessly switched between a dangerously seductive persona and a fragile, broken one, earning praise from audiences for her layered and dynamic portrayal.
6th Place: Wang Churan in 'My People, My City'
With her refined features, Wang Churan has shown remarkable range, from the intelligent and composed Liu Miantang in 'Willow Galleon' to the bewitching consort Yu Wanyin in 'What Kind of World Is This?' In 'My People, My City,' she played an emergency room doctor, and her on-screen chemistry with Yang Yang sparked intense discussions during the show's broadcast.
5th Place: Ren Min in 'Serenade of Peaceful Joy'
Ren Min excels at portraying tragic characters, with her crying scenes being particularly moving. In 'Serenade of Peaceful Joy,' she played Princess Fukang, Zhao Huirou, delivering powerful performances in scenes of emotional collapse, skillfully portraying the transition from repression to despair. She has been praised for her ethereal presence.
4th Place: Li Landi in 'Snowy Chronicles'
In the historical drama 'Snowy Chronicles,' Li Landi took on the role of a leading female character with forensic and investigative skills. She delicately portrayed the emotional restraint of a woman burdened by injustice, showcasing her mature acting skills through deeply moving crying scenes.
3rd Place: Zhao Lusi in 'Let Me Shine'
As a top representative of the post-95s generation, Zhao Lusi rose to fame with 'The Romance of Tiger and Rose' and further boosted her popularity with 'Hidden Love.' In 'Let Me Shine,' she moved beyond her sweet-girl image, demonstrating greater emotional intensity and nuanced crying scenes, earning high recognition from audiences.
2nd Place: Guan Xiaotong in 'Dazzling'
In recent years, Guan Xiaotong has shown a transformation in her acting through works like 'Twenty Your Life On' and 'The Lane.' In 'Dazzling,' she took on the role of a character who falls from a privileged life to rock bottom. With sharp eyes and emotionally charged performances, she portrayed the character's downfall and resilience with remarkable depth.
1st Place: Song Zuer in 'Bending the Waist'
A child actress turned acclaimed performer, Song Zuer is regarded as a true acting powerhouse. In 'Bending the Waist,' she played Xiao Qiao, a clever and resilient classical beauty, delivering a moving performance as she navigates the conflict between family duty and personal feelings. The emotional buildup between her and Liu Yuning—from mutual suspicion to gradually falling in love—was intensely compelling, securing her the top spot in the post-95s actresses' acting ranking.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: Survey