Jack Ma celebrates ‘Green Book’ Oscar win in Beijing
BEIJING: Chinese tycoon Jack Ma had unexpectedly showed up at a cinema in Beijing to celebrate this year’s Oscar-winning best film Green Book.
Alibaba Pictures under his multinational conglomerate Alibaba Group, had invested in the film.
“I have seen the film for the third time today, and I have recommended it to many friends,” Ma said at the Chinese premiere of Green Book. He added: “This film shows me the warmth of society, which offers much hope. There are many problems in many aspects in our society - like what you saw in the film, there is coldness, cruelty, troubles and violence.
“However, what we see in this movie is that the world is still very warm.”
He also noted that filmmaking should not be seen as something just for piling up money, and a good film doesn’t necessarily have to be an earthshaking epic, “Green Book looks very ordinary and plain, yet it reflects many stories hidden behind. I think this film will get everybody thinking.”
The chairman of Alibaba Group believed there will soon be a chance for Chinese films to shine at the annual Oscars ceremony, “and my point is, to make a real good film, first of all, you have to love movies and love what you do, instead of loving fame and fortune.”
Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, won in three categories at the 91st Academy Awards - best picture, best actor in a supporting role, and best original screenplay
In addition to these awards, Green Book also set another record in China for being the Oscar-winning best film to be released in the country at the quickest pace. It will officially open in Chinese cinemas today.