GROWJUST INDIA

New Delhi, December 26, 2025: The 2025 Tencent Video All Star Night (Starlight Awards), held on December 21, was intended to be a night of celebration for the Chinese entertainment industry. However, it has instead sparked a firestorm of social media debate. At the center of the controversy is actress Song Zu Er, whose returned presence at a major industry gala was already a talking point following her recent legal and tax-related hiatus.

Viral clips from the event have prompted significant backlash, with netizens scrutinizing her reactions—or perceived lack thereof—toward fellow stars Tan Jianci and Zhao Lusi.

The Incidents: Caught on Camera

As is common with high-profile galas, “reaction cams” and fan-captured snippets often reveal more than the official broadcast. Two specific moments involving Song Zu Er have gone viral:

1. The Interaction with Tan Jianci

During a segment where Tan Jianci was being honored or performing, cameras panned to the seating area. While most celebrities were seen applauding or smiling, clips appeared to show Song Zu Er with a neutral, almost “stony” expression.

Netizens were quick to compare this to her previous interactions with Tan, questioning if there was underlying tension or if the actress was simply exhausted. Critics labeled the behavior “disrespectful” to a senior colleague, while supporters argued that a few seconds of footage shouldn’t be used to judge her character.

2. The “Cold Shoulder” Toward Zhao Lusi

The most heated debate stems from a clip involving Zhao Lusi, who was one of the night’s biggest winners for her work in Love’s Ambition. As Zhao Lusi passed by or was highlighted, Song Zu Er’s reaction was described by some Weibo users as “dismissive.”

Given that both actresses are top “Post-95” stars often compared by the media, fans of Zhao Lusi were quick to defend their idol, accusing Song of being “bitter” or “unsportsmanlike” during Zhao’s moment of triumph.

Public Backlash and the “Body Language” Debate

The backlash has been swift, with the topic trending on platforms like Weibo and Douyin. The criticism generally falls into three categories:

• Professional Etiquette: Many argue that at a televised industry event, stars have a “job” to maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere, regardless of personal feelings.
• The “Return” Pressure: Some observers believe Song Zu Er is under immense pressure to rehabilitate her image after her 2023–2024 tax controversy. They argue that any sign of “attitude” is a major PR misstep during her comeback phase.
• Misinterpretation: A vocal minority of fans defended the actress, claiming the clips were “maliciously edited” or that she was simply “spacing out” during a long, multi-hour ceremony.

Industry Implications

The 2025 Starlight Awards were meant to signal a “fresh start” for several stars, including Song Zu Er, whose highly anticipated drama The Prisoner of Beauty has faced numerous delays. This recent wave of negative “hot searches” could complicate the marketing for her upcoming projects if the public perception of her “personality” continues to sour.

In contrast, Zhao Lusi and Tan Jianci emerged from the night with heightened praise—not just for their awards, but for their perceived grace and professionalism throughout the evening.

Conclusion

While the “Starlight Awards Controversy” may seem like a storm in a teacup to outsiders, in the highly competitive world of C-Ent, perception is reality. Whether Song Zu Er was truly being “cold” or was simply a victim of bad camera timing, the incident serves as a reminder of the microscopic level of scrutiny modern celebrities face.