Lien Binh Phat was named Best Leading Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Pham Van Ninh in the series The Outlaw Doctor, becoming the first Vietnamese artist ever to receive this top award. Wearing a traditional Vietnamese Áo Dài (traditional costume) as he stepped on stage to accept the trophy, he expressed his pride and emotion, saying that being nominated was already an honour, but receiving the award in national costume made the moment even more meaningful.

Phat’s victory quickly dominated Asian media headlines. Leading Taiwanese outlets praised his outstanding performance. Elle Taiwan called this year’s results entirely fair and well-deserved, while Drama Go commented that his acting was near perfect and that every glance captivates the audience.

China Times compared Phat to “Tony Leung of Vietnam,” and Marie Claire Taiwan, Style.Udn, and Mirror Media all described his win as a milestone that brings Vietnamese cinema closer to Asia’s map. The TBVS newspaper emphasised that his triumph marked a turning point affirming the talent and composure of Vietnamese actors on the regional stage.

The Golden Bell Award jury commended Lien Binh Phat for his natural, deeply emotional performance and his seamless switch between Mandarin and English, a rare skill for a foreign actor. They praised his ability to portray the inner struggles of a Vietnamese doctor living abroad, torn between homesickness and the challenges of working in a foreign land.

Following the ceremony, images of Lien Binh Phat in his Áo Dài, holding the golden trophy, went viral across social media in Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. Fans affectionately dubbed him the “Vietnamese Film Emperor” and “Vietnam’s Acting Monster,” applauding both his talent and humility.

The actor moved audiences further when he announced that he would donate his entire cash prize, with half going to Taiwan’s Migrant Workers Fund and the other half to the Outlaw Doctor production team, a gesture Chinese media hailed as a beautiful act of kindness from a Vietnamese star.

His victory at the 2025 Golden Bell Awards is not only a personal milestone, but also a historic breakthrough for Vietnamese artists on the Asian television stage. From his breakout role in Song Lang (2018) to this international triumph, Lien Binh Phat has proven the talent, professionalism, and emotional depth of Vietnamese actors to audiences across the region.

Secret Garden captivates 4,000 Vietnamese fans in “musical wonderland”

VOV.VN - On the evening of October 18, nearly 4,000 Vietnamese fans were were immersed in Secret Garden’s musical world as the legendary Nordic duo performed in Vietnam for the first time, marking the opening of their 30th-anniversary world tour.