The 2026 TV Quality Ceremony, organized by Shanghai Media Group, recently concluded in Shanghai, revealing the first major television awards of the year. Several popular drama teams attended the event, including those behind All Living Things, A Better Life, and The Silent Glory. During the ceremony, Xiao Zhan and Sun Li received the top honor of “Outstanding Quality Star of the Year.”
Following the announcement of the winners, online discussions quickly focused on the awards connected to the drama All Living Things. While the series received several recognitions and many cast members were honored, its leading actress Yang Mi did not receive an award, prompting speculation among viewers about the outcome.
In contrast, other actors from All Living Things were recognized during the ceremony. Xing Fei, who portrayed Ning Susu, received an award, as did Lyric Lan for her role as Yin Zi. Veteran actress Chi Peng, who played Da Jiao Niang, was also among the winners. On the male side, Oho Ou and Lin Yongjian were honored, and the drama’s writer and producer also received recognition. The series itself was awarded in the drama category.
Interestingly, Yang Mi did not attend the ceremony. Reports indicated that the actress had a scheduling conflict that prevented her from appearing at the event. However, the absence did not fully explain the outcome in the eyes of some observers, as actress Qin Hailu, who also did not attend with the All Living Things team, still received an award that evening.
The results quickly sparked conversation online about the competition for major acting prizes in the Chinese television industry this year. Some viewers pointed out that Sun Li, whose drama A Better Life also gained attention at the ceremony, appears to be strengthening her position as a strong contender for upcoming awards such as the Magnolia Awards.
At the same time, fans of Yang Mi noted that earlier in the year she had already received recognition at another television ceremony organized by China Media Group, where she shared a best actress honor alongside Sun Li. Because both All Living Things and A Better Life were broadcast on national television channels, comparisons between the two actresses have continued to attract attention.
During the broadcast of All Living Things, Yang Mi’s performance had already become a topic of debate among viewers. Some discussions centered on certain acting choices and expressions in the drama, while others defended her interpretation of the role. As a result, public reactions to the drama often focused more on its overall story and supporting performances than on the lead character.
Despite the speculation surrounding the ceremony, industry observers emphasize that the TV Quality Ceremony is not considered one of the most authoritative awards in Chinese television. Major national honors, including the Magnolia Awards, the Golden Eagle Awards, and the Flying Apsaras Awards, will ultimately determine the most prominent acting achievements of the year.
For now, the conversation surrounding Yang Mi, Sun Li, and the drama All Living Things reflects the strong interest audiences continue to show in the competition among leading actresses in the television industry.
