Popular Chinese actor Xiao Zhan became the youngest-ever winner to earn the best actor award at the 2026 SMG TV Series Quality Awards – for his hit drama Legend of Zang Hai (also known as Zang Haizhuan)
The 2025 drama which has been sweeping wins across the awards season starred Xiao Zhan in the lead role as strategist Zang Hai. And at the 2026 SMG TV Awards, the drama once again stocked up prizes across multiple categories.
However, it was Xiao Zhan’s win as ‘Outstanding Quality Star of the Year(best actor)’ for his masterful performance and alluring screen presence, created buzz not just across Chinese entertainment but on a global level.
By taking home the top acting prize at the 2026 SMG Awards, Xiao Zhan, 35, has made history as the first 90s born and the youngest winner ever of this prestigious award.
The drama and its crew won several other honours including ; ‘Quality Director of the Year’ – Zheng Xiaolong and Cao Yiwen ; ‘Annual Quality Producer’ – Cao Ping ; ‘Annual Quality Art Director’ – Liu Chengyi ; ‘Annual Quality Highlight Drama Star’ – Huang Jue ; ‘Outstanding Performance Drama Star of the Year ‘- Michelle Chen and ‘Annual Quality Highlight Drama Star’ – Wallace Chung.
While Zhou Qi earned the ‘Rising Star’ for his performance, Legend of Zang Hai was also awarded the ‘Best Drama’ prize.
Organised by the Shanghai Media Group, the awards ceremony which took place on Monday, March 9, was a five-hour-long star-studded event, with Xiao Zhan present throughout the whole ceremony, seated next to veteran star Sun Li.
Recognised as one of China’s four major TV awards alongside the Magnolia Awards, Golden Eagle Awards and Feitian Awards, the winners for the SMG Awards is chosen through a rigorous professional evaluation of acting, impact, ratings and audience reception.
He further impressed fans and netizens with his down-to-earth charm delivering a humble acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to director Zheng Xiaolong and speaking about the character’s challenges.
From historic award wins – which made its way to the national news – to appearing in Boucheron‘s teaser as global ambassador just two days later on March 11, Xiao Zhan has established his influential yet elegant presence as a representative face of Chinese entertainment on a global scale.
As fans flooded social media with congratulations for his historic win, hashtags like #ZangHaizhuan #XiaoZhan #LegendOfZangHai took over the timeline celebrating the actor’s grace and talent.
(Featured Image sourced from @XiaoZhan_OFC via SMG )
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