Fan BingBing: A Global Powerhouse

Photography by Chen Man

Styled by Takafumi Kawasaki

Internationally known actress, producer, entrepreneur, and singer Fan Bingbing has major Chinese and global film projects on her resume—such as The 355, with a star-studded cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, and Lupita Nyong’o, as well as the franchise blockbuster X-Men: Days of Future Past. Born in Qingdao, China, for years, Fan regularly topped international lists of the most well-known and influential Chinese actresses. In addition, she has since become, by all measures, a fashion and beauty icon. She was a juror at the 70th Cannes Film Festival in 2017 and returned to the Croisette this past May, drawing global attention to many Asian designers, including the Chinese designer Christopher Bu (see her printed dress featuring tigers in a bamboo forest), South Korean designer Sohee Park, Vietnamese designer Chung Thanh Phong, and Filipino designer Harvey Cenit. To cap it all off, in October of this year, she walked the runway at the Mugler Spring/Summer 2024 show. 

In this conversation with L’OFFICIEL, Fan reflects on her decades-long career, her cinematic influences, and her approach to work, fashion, beauty—and life itself.

LO: What was the most exciting moment of your career?

FB: Every time I hear feedback from the public on my work, I feel full of energy, and satisfied that I’ve done something meaningful. Working in international films such as X-Men or The 355 made my face more familiar; I served as a juror for the Cannes Film Festival, the Tokyo International Film Festival, and the San Sebastian International Film Festival. This further broadened my audience. I treasure these opportunities to introduce Chinese culture, and the skills of my country’s acting talents, to the world.

LO: You have worked with important directors and incredible actors. Who has had the greatest influence on you?

FB: I’m honored to have worked with everyone, each with their own style. In fact, each director brought me different inspiration. And by working with them, I was also able to become aware of my own potential.

LO: Which film are you most attached to?

FB: There isn’t a film I’m particularly attached to. I always choose a role by the screenplay, so the characters always have part of my personality. Their tenacity and courage reflect a slightly different version of me.

LO: Your new film Green Night has been released... Can you tell us anything more about it?

FB: Green Night is a farewell story. It tells the story of the hardest moments that can be faced in life. I hope it’s a film that will give strength to people.

LO: Which directors would you like to work with in the future? What role would you like to play in your career?

FB: I hope to work with directors I haven’t worked with before, both at home and abroad. A good collaboration is like nourishment, and allows me to gain a lot of energy. I hope to play characters I’ve never played before. I believe that cinematography is the art of the director, not of the actors. The actors must exercise their imagination in agreement with the directors. I don’t refuse to work with any good director, whether he is emerging or already well known. You must always have the courage to dare and try new things; even if it can be risky, it can also bring a lot of joy. 

LO: How was your Hollywood debut? 

FB: I would say it in three words: novelty, pleasure, fun. 

LO: What are the most important values for an actress like you? 

FB: Bringing energy and positive guidance to others through your acting, and living up to every expectation. I also believe that for my job (and for people in general) self-esteem is very important.

LO: In your opinion, what character traits led you to be successful? 

FB: Willpower and trust. Believing in myself. I always strive for perfection. When I have a goal, I am committed to making it happen, no matter how difficult it might be. 

LO: If you could have one wish for the future, what would it be? 

FB: I hope the world will be a peaceful place.