Chen Sicheng

Chen Sicheng was born in February 1978 in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, into a family of officials. His family enjoyed a prosperous economic condition, and his parents provided strong support and favorable conditions for his growth. Early on, Chen Sicheng displayed a strong artistic talent; he was active in various school cultural activities, served as a radio announcer, and frequently participated in school performances. In his first year of high school, he began hosting the program "Student Years" on Shenyang Television.

In 1994, at the age of 16, Chen Sicheng left Shenyang and went to Shanghai, successfully enrolling in Shanghai Xie Jin Heng Tong Star School (the first batch). In 2000, the school merged into Shanghai Normal University, where he became classmates with Zhao Wei. In 1996, he was admitted to the Shanghai Theatre Academy, under the guidance of Professor Li Xuetong. He was expelled for two years due to a fight but was recommended by Professor Li Xuetong to resume his studies. He then worked hard and was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama as the top student in his class, graduating in 2003.

Around 2000, he participated in various music and advertising activities. In 2000, he performed the song "The Wind Chimes of Time" at the Xingwang National College Original Song Competition. In 2001, he excelled in the Uni-President Ice Red Tea Sparkling Star National College Student Singer Selection, performing the same song, and signed with Warner Records, releasing the single "Make Youth Shine Brighter." The same year, he also appeared in TV dramas such as "Red and Black 2000" and multiple other film and television works.

Chen Sicheng's acting career began in 2002. He was nominated for Best Actor at the Hundred Flowers Awards and for Best Newcomer at the Huabiao Awards for his role in the film "Mother Judge," and he received the Best Newcomer Award at the Beijing University Students Film Festival. In 2003, he graduated from the Central Academy of Drama and gradually expanded into film and television performances, including works like "Soldier Sortie," "Love Is a Lucky Bullet," "Wang Zhaojun," and "Fate." In 2005, he starred in the film "Peach Blossom Splendid," which won the Hans Christian Andersen Honor Award at the Copenhagen International Film Festival.

Starting in 2006, Chen Sicheng actively participated in acting and producing TV dramas, including collaborations with Kang Honglei on "Migrant Workers," "Soldier Sortie," and "Love Is a Lucky Bullet," gaining notable attention. In 2008, he appeared in the TV drama "Fate," which won third place at the Flying Banner Awards for Long Television Series. That same year, his starring role in the film "Spring Breeze Dances Night" received the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes International Film Festival; Chen Sicheng also received a nomination for Best Actor.

In the 2010s, Chen Sicheng began transitioning into directing and screenwriting. His self-directed film "Beijing Love Story" was released in 2014, achieving strong box office results and receiving widespread acclaim. Subsequently, his "Detective Chinatown" film series dominated the market and became one of China's leading commercial film franchises. In 2016, his works won the screenwriter award at the Beijing Film Festival. In 2018, he served as producer and lead actor for the TV series "Great Expectations," earning the Wenrong Award for Best Actor.

In his personal life, Chen Sicheng married actress Tong Liya in Tahiti in January 2014; they announced their divorce in 2016. In 2023, he began dating his girlfriend, Ruan Ju. Throughout his career, he has received numerous domestic and international awards, including recognition as a director, screenwriter, and actor, establishing himself as one of China's influential filmmakers and producers.

As of 2024, Chen Sicheng remains active in film and television creation, hosting multiple movie projects, and has been elected vice president of the Chinese Film Directors Association.