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Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi made headlines at the 81st Venice Film Festival on September 7, 2024, with her striking appearance in a Gucci gown at the closing ceremony. However, it wasn’t just her red carpet look that drew attention - an unexpected onstage moment also sparked discussion.
The 45-year-old actress, who was serving as a jury member, had the honor of presenting the Volpi Cup for Best Actor to French actor-filmmaker Vincent Lindon for his performance in the film Jouer avec le feu (The Quiet Son). After accepting his award, the 65-year-old Lindon shook Zhang's hand and exchanged a customary la bise, or cheek kisses. However, he went further by planting a deep kiss on her right cheek, surprising Zhang. She responded with a shy smile, sticking her tongue out slightly, clearly caught off guard.
The situation became even more awkward when, as they posed for photos, Lindon shifted his trophy to his left hand and put his right arm around Zhang's waist. The unexpected intimacy left Zhang visibly shocked, prompting her to take two small steps to the side while maintaining a smile for the cameras.
Netizens quickly shared videos of the incident on social media, noting Zhang's discomfort. On Douyin, one user commented, "When this man kissed Ziyi's cheek, she visibly avoided it a little." Another remarked, "Ziyi's expression doesn't look good."
However, opinions were divided. Some TikTok users defended Lindon’s actions, pointing out that the cheek kiss is a "normal European greeting" and part of the local "custom."
Despite the awkward moment, Zhang remained composed and later reflected positively on her Venice Film Festival experience. In a Weibo post, she expressed gratitude for the "beautiful memories" she had in the city, focusing on the positive aspects of her time at the prestigious event.
Source: AsiaOne
