The 2024 Weibo Night unfolded in grand style on January 11th in Beijing, recognizing 43 individuals and events that left a significant mark on Chinese society through the popular microblogging platform Sina Weibo over the past year.

Since its inception in 2004, Weibo Night has become a staple event in China's cultural calendar, celebrating key personalities in entertainment, sports, and other major societal contributions.

Among the evening's highlights were the awards for Weibo king and queen, which were bestowed upon comedian Shen Teng and actor Zhao Liying, respectively.

They lead a storied list of awardees in the entertainment sector, with Bai Lu, Liu Yuning, Leo Luo, and Wang Hedi recognized as this year's popular actors.

Meanwhile, Xiao Zhan, Ma Li, Song Jia, and Zhang Ruoyun were honored for their influence in the industry.

The night also cast a spotlight on those making waves internationally.

Li Bingbing and Tang Wei were acknowledged as internationally influential actors, while Li Yuchun earned accolades as an influential musician on the global stage.

China's cinematic excellence was further exemplified by Zhang Yimou, who received the title of most internationally influential director.

In his passionate acceptance speech, Zhang called on filmmakers to amplify the reach of Chinese cinema and culture globally.

Films and series that prompted widespread discussion among Weibo users over the past year were also featured, with "Article 20," "Successor," and "The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death" listed as annual movies.

Hit series such as "Escape from the Trilateral Slopes," "We Are Criminal Police," "Romance in the Alley," and "Joy of Life 2" were recognized for their popularity on the platform.

Looking ahead, Weibo Night also built anticipation for upcoming film releases intended to captivate audiences during the Spring Festival.

Projects like "Ne Zha 2," "The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero," "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force," "Detective Chinatown 1900," and "Boonie Bears: Future Reborn" took center stage, with filmmakers and stars sharing their excitement with attendees.

Beyond entertainment, Weibo Night serves as a reflection of cultural and technological advancements, with China's dynamic aerospace and defense sectors being front and center.

The historic Chang'e-6 mission, which achieved the first lunar far-side sample return, garnered one of the night's top influential event honors.

In addition, China's third aircraft carrier, the innovative Fujian, was celebrated following its first sea trials in 2024.

The prowess of Chinese athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics was also lauded, with the country's table tennis team recognized as the model sports team of the year.

Stellar performances by athletes like Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Ni Xialian helped cement China's reputation on the global sports stage.

The expansion into esports highlighted the increasing relevance of this sector, with gamers such as Yang Tao and Chen Zebin earning accolades as influential figures.

Meanwhile, the gaming world celebrated China’s breakthrough with "Black Myth: Wukong," praised as an innovative cultural export.

Esteemed cultural influencer Li Ziqi, who recently resumed her digital presence after a hiatus, was recognized for her contributions to traditional Chinese culture.

Her acceptance speech emphasized collective effort in safeguarding cultural heritage and resonated with the audience.

The star-studded gala commanded an audience of 1.8 billion views through its live broadcast, prompting extensive engagement across various social media platforms.

According to the event's organizers, Weibo Night not only serves as a wide-ranging celebration but also as a mirror of the contemporary cultural zeitgeist, where 'every dream deserves to be illuminated and every effort remembered.'