Wu Nien-jen (left) and artist Hsieh Li-fa; photo courtesy of CNA
Taipei, Dec. 30 (CNA) Director Wu Nien-jen and artist Hsieh Li-fa have each received a National Cultural Award, the Ministry of Culture announced Saturday.
The award, which comes with a NT$1 million (US$33,700) cash prize, is Taiwan's highest cultural honor and presented to those who have achieved excellence in the arts and cultural fields during their careers, the ministry said in a statement.
Wu, a prolific scriptwriter, director and author, is a leading figure in Taiwan's film industry and has won five Golden Horse awards and received 11 Golden Horse nominations.
In recent years, the 65-year-old New Taipei native has been active in promoting educational and cultural opportunities for students in rural Taiwanese communities.
The 79-year-old Hsieh, on the other hand, has traveled the world, learning the art of sculpting in Paris and art theory and history in New York.
He has held his own exhibits in Taiwan and the U.S., and is credited for introducing western art aesthetics to Taiwan as well as focusing attention on the development of Taiwan's own local art.
National Cultural Awards are approved by the Executive Yuan and have been given out every year since 1981.
