Three influential Chinese scientists honored for lifetime achievement

In other categories, this year's winners included record-breaking Chinese athletes—three-time Olympic freestyle swimming gold medalist Sun Yang, 2018 Winter Olympics 500-meter short track speedskating gold medalist Wu Dajing and 100-meter dash world champion Su Bingtian. Wu Jing, producer and director of the global megahit action franchise Wolf Warriors, was also among the winners.

In summer 2017, the second installment of the franchise, Wolf Warriors 2, grossed 5.6 billion yuan ($870 million) worldwide at the box office, becoming one of the 100 top-grossing films of all time.

At the award ceremony, Wu thanked Chinese compatriots worldwide for supporting the movie in theaters. The 44-year-old, who was a martial arts practitioner before becoming an actor and director, said he will continue to make movies that appeal to global audiences.

"I'm so grateful for living in an era that rewards those who work hard," said Wu.