Speaking on May 1 as she accepted the Golden Mulberry award at the Far East Film Festival 2026, an honor recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking, Fan reflected on her journey.
“The abyss is not the end, but the starting point of my rebirth,” she said. “Falling is not what’s frightening, what matters is whether I have the courage to stand up again.”
Her remarks referred to the challenges she has faced since her 2018 tax evasion scandal. Fan said she once felt lost, questioning what she could do next and whether she would ever act again or return to the stage, given that performing is the work she loves most.
In the five years following the scandal, she was largely absent from the film industry, a period during which she said she came to understand that life is not always smooth sailing.
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing. Photo from Fan’s Instagram |
Fan also expressed gratitude to Malaysian director Chong Keat Aun for casting her in his film “Mother Bhumi,” which was screened at the festival the same day. She described his decision as “brave,” noting that he faced pressure from multiple sides in choosing her.
Determined to return to acting, Fan said she actively sought opportunities and traveled to Malaysia to personally convey her passion and commitment, ultimately winning him over.
After the ceremony, Fan wrote on social media: “After such a long time, I can finally lift my head again. You, waiting on the other shore, give me courage.”
According to OnFan has in recent years worked on films and attended events outside China, where her acting activities remain restricted. Domestically, she has appeared more as the founder and businesswoman behind her cosmetics company than as an actress.
According to Finance Chinaher cosmetics brand Fan Beauty Diary ranked among the top 100 most popular Chinese beauty brands last year. The company reported revenue of 1.45 billion yuan (US$212 million) in 2024. While far below the top-ranked brand’s 8.6 billion yuan, the figure is remarkable for a company established just seven years ago, industry observers say, calling it a rising force in the beauty sector.
The year 2026 marks 30 years since Fan, 45, entered the entertainment industry. Before the scandal, she was one of China’s most prominent stars, dominating international red carpets, endorsing luxury brands, and producing as well as starring in numerous films.
In 2018, Chinese tax authorities announced the results of their investigation into Fan’s violations, and she was fined a total of $128 million. According to Xinhua News Agencyit was the largest personal tax evasion case handled by authorities in China during the 2010s.
Fan accepted the penalty and wrote at the time: “I experienced unprecedented pain and anguish.”
“After reflecting on myself, I feel ashamed and remorseful for what I have done. I sincerely apologize to everyone.”
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