As 2010 approaches its inevitable conclusion, we once again honour those in China who have made the year memorable through their infuence, achievement or special contribution. From the worlds of art and entertainment to the arenas of sport, politics and business, plus the addition of environmental crusaders and internet celebrities, TALK highlights two outstanding individuals from each category. By pitting them against each other, head-to-head, we determine who mattered the most over the past 12 months.

ENTERTAINMENT

Le Jia

Dating reality show Fei Cheng Wu Rao (If You Are the One) took China by storm this year, resulting in a flood of controversy and jump-starting dialogue on morality and youth priorities in modern day China. The nationally broadcast show owes much of its popularity to the shiny bald head and quick smile of Le Jia, the program’s ‘psychological analyst’. Originally the creator of the Four-colour Personality Analysis, Le’s astute yet amusing commentary proves he’s an entertainer at heart.

Feng Xiaogang

Director Feng Xiaogang made quite a rumble this year with the release of Aftershock, an emotional drama set in the aftermath of Tangshan’s deadly 1976 earthquake. The film shook up the box office, becoming the highest-grossing locally-made movie in China. It will also represent the country in the Best Foreign Film category at the upcoming Oscars. Feng cemented his directing chops with previous hits Cell Phone and A World Without Thieves, but only now is Hollywood finally sitting up and taking notice.

Winner: Feng Xiaogang

While Le had a strong introductory year, the ‘People’s Filmmaker’ takes the top gong by re-affirming not only his continued commercial success, but enduring popularity among China’s masses. Tangshan is a difficult subject, yet from the ruins of the disaster Feng has created an emotionally rich masterpiece exploring themes of death, love and survival.