Chan takes top Chinese film prize

Chan said the award came as a surprise to him

Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan has scooped the best actor prize at China's most prestigious film ceremony, the Golden Rooster Awards.

Chan was honoured for his portrayal of a disillusioned police officer in New Police Story.

His prize comes as organisers opened up entry to Chinese actors from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan to rival the Taiwanese Golden Horse Awards.

Chan said he "didn't expect to win such an important award".

The Golden Rooster organisers hope to take some of the limelight away from the Golden Horse Awards, which are open to all Chinese-language films and have traditionally been the dominant Chinese-language film honours. This year's ceremony is being held on Sunday night.

'Righteousness and dignity'

The Rooster jury said: "Jackie Chan has won Chinese film international honour by representing the righteousness and dignity of the Chinese with his constant efforts."

Best actress was won by Jing Yaqin of low-budget film You and Me, which also saw Ma Liwen win best director.

The war film On Mount Taihang and Hollywood-backed Kekexili Mountain Patrol shared the best film award at the ceremony on China's southern island of Hainan.

On Mount Taihang also won best score and best sound recording.

Directed by up-and-coming Lu Chuan, Kekexili Mountain Patrol also won last year's Golden Horse best film award.

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, security is tight ahead of the Golden Horse Awards, after a death threat was made against the organisers.

A man was arrested after organisers received a demand for five million Taiwanese dollars ($149,000/ £85,720).

Hong Kong's Tony Leung Ka-fai and Taiwan's Shu Qi, tipped to win in the top acting categories, were among the stars due in Keelung for the ceremony.