Takeshi Kaneshiro's Japanese citizenship disqualifies him from awards race

by Chris MaGee

Why does Asian superstar Takeshi Kaneshiro look like he needs a hug? Because he's been disqualified from the being nominated for the Outstanding Taiwanese Filmmaker of the Year Award at the this year's 45th Annual Golden Horse Film Festival Awards taking place in Taichung, Taiwan on December 6th. According to Variety Asia Online the "Red Cliff", "House of Flying Daggers" and "Chungking Express" star will not be able to compete alongside director Wei Te-sheng and cinematographer Li Lung-Yu due to the fact that despite his mother being Taiwanese Kaneshiro holds Japanese citizenship. The Golden Horse Film Awards honour the best in Chinese cinema, but rules prevent non-Chinese from competing. Methinks that this is running into a bit of the bad blood between Japan and mainland Asia. Too bad. Kaneshiro is one of the most bankable stars in the Asian film market. I guess the fact that he was born and raised in Taipei makers any difference either.