Berlinale says 'Happy Birthday' to Zhang Ziyi

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi speaks at the "Shooting Stars" award ceremony during the 59th annual Berlin International Film Festival on February 9, 2009. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

The ongoing Berlin Film Festival welcomed the arrival of Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi on Monday with wishes for her 30th birthday.

Zhang arrived in Berlin on Monday, the day of her 30th birthday, and was invited to present awards at the festival's "Shooting Stars" program the same evening.

As the host welcomed Zhang onto the stage with "Happy Birthday", the audience gave the star warm applause.

Zhang told the audience in English that she was happy to get back to Berlin, where, nine years ago, her big-screen debut "The Road Home" won the Silver Bear award.

"Today I'm very happy to be here to encourage the new generation of actors," Zhang said before she handed out awards to this year's "Shooting Stars". Nine young European actors and actresses were honored with the award.

Zhang Ziyi was in Berlin to promote her new film "Forever Enthralled", the only Chinese-language competitor for the festival's top honor, the Golden Bear.

The 59th annual Berlin Film Festival runs until February 15.