Zhou Dongyu, born in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China. A graduate from the Beijing Film Academy, Zhou Dongyu rose to stardom for the leading role in UNDER THE HAWTHORN TREE (Berlinale 2010) directed by Zhang Yimou. She received the Golden Horse Award for best lead actress for SOUL MATE (2016) and the Best Actress at the 33rd Golden Rooster Awards, 39th Hong Kong Film Awards, 35th People's Hundred Flowers Awards for Oscar nominated BETTER DAYS (Berlinale, 2019), both directed by Derek Tsang. Her recent films included San Sebastian Film Festiavl official selection FIRE ON THE PLAIN (2021) and Cannes Un Certain Regard selection THE BREAKING ICE (2023).