Chinese martial artist Wu Jing receives GT's exclusive interview in Beijing on Sunday. Photo: Qu Qiuyan/GT

 
In order to further carry forward both professional excellence and moral integrity and cultivate high-quality literary and artistic talent, Chinese authorities selected 44 literary and art workers who meet standards as role models for the industry. The list includes actors Wu Jing and Huang Bo.

The list was published on Friday and based on advice collected from the public. If there is no opposition, these 44 people will be chosen for the fifth session of national young and middle-aged literary and art workers who are brilliant professionally and morally, according to cfflac.org.cn.

The 44 candidates were chosen based on recommendations, opinions and strict examinations. Wu, who played leading roles in blockbusters such as Wolf Warrior, The Wandering Earth and The Battle at Lake Changjin, as well as Huang and Zhang Yi are familiar to Chinese netizens.

Other candidates work in opera, music, dancing and painting as well as calligraphy. All of them have shown outstanding performance in their own field and have good word of mouth in work and in life.

"The selection and commendation process has a positive influence on the industry and society," Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University, told the Global Times on Monday.

He pointed out that because some celebrities have been embroiled in scandals such as tax evasion and drug use, the public denounced and questioned the quality of such public figures. "It is necessary to set some good examples for the industry and other industry insiders."

Zhang said that the commendation can let the industry see what the correct direction is and "construct a healthy social mood."

Chinese netizens have had similar views and called on young celebrities to learn from these good examples.

The selection and commendation began in 2004. The fifth session was delayed because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Several Chinese celebrities have been exposed in various ways, resulting in public disappointment and doubts about the entertainment industry. The latest case is actor De Lun who was punished for tax evasion and fined 106 million yuan ($16.6 million).