Zhao Tao

Zhao Tao (Chinese: 赵涛, born January 28, 1977) is an acclaimed Chinese actress renowned for her contributions to both Chinese and European cinema. Since launching her career in 1999, she has appeared in over ten films and is celebrated as the muse of director Jia Zhangke. Zhao gained international recognition through her pivotal collaborations with Jia, significantly enhancing the visibility of Chinese cinema in Europe, particularly in Italy. Her standout performance as Shun Li in the film "Io sono Li" marked a significant milestone, making her the first Asian actress to receive a David di Donatello Award.

Born in Taiyuan, Shanxi, which is also the setting for Jia's "Still Life," Zhao began her artistic journey with classical Chinese dance. In 1996, she pursued formal training at the Beijing Dance Academy, specializing in folk dance. Following her graduation, she taught at Taiyuan Normal College, where her talent caught the eye of Jia Zhangke during auditions for "Platform." Their collaboration has since been a hallmark of her career.

In 2011, Zhao starred in the Italian film "Shun Li and the Poet," directed by Andrea Segre, which was featured in the Venice Days section of the 68th Venice International Film Festival. Her remarkable bilingual performance in the movie earned her the prestigious David di Donatello Award for Best Actress, further solidifying her status in the film industry. Fluent in Mandarin, Szechuanese, and Italian, Zhao’s linguistic skills complement her artistic versatility.