Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To Kei-fung has stepped down as president of this year’s Golden Horse Film Awards jury, citing contractual commitments. His decision follows mainland China’s announcement its actors, directors and film producers would not enter or attend the awards, held in Taiwan, and subsequent warning, as reported by Taiwanese news website Line Today, that films entered in competition there would be banned from distribution in China and Hong Kong stars who attended the awards ceremony would be placed on a watchlist. The Golden Horse awards, held annually, are considered the Oscars of Chinese-language film. “ Johnnie To has resigned as the Jury President for the 56th Golden Horse Awards, due to previously signed film production contractual obligations,” said a note posted on the Golden Horse Film Festival’s Facebook page. “To expresses his regret and apology for the inconvenience, while the [film festival’s] Executive Committee and chairman Ang Lee show their understanding and wish the best to him.” To is a three-time winner of the best director prize at the Golden Horses, for The Mission , Breaking News and Life Without Principle. The new jury president will be Taiwanese film director and producer Wang Toon, a winner of multiple Golden Horses including awards for best director and best production design. He will receive a lifetime achievement award during the awards ceremony in November. To expresses his regret and apology for the inconvenience, while the [film festival’s] Executive Committee and chairman Ang Lee show their understanding and wish the best to him Statement from Golden Horse Film Festival executive committee posted to Facebook According to China Central Television, the Chinese boycott of the awards was in reaction to last year’s Golden Horse Awards ceremony, during which Taiwan-born documentary director Fu Yue spoke of her desire for the island to one day become an independent country. She was speaking after winning best documentary for her film Our Youth in Taiwan . Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province of China. China’s boycott of the awards put Hong Kong filmmakers and actors in an awkward position . Hong Kong film production companies Media Asia Film, Universe Films, Filmko Films, Emperor Motion Pictures and Mei Ah Entertainment wasted little time in announcing that none of their films would be entered for Golden Horse Awards and none of their stars would take part in the ceremony. Among the films affected are high-profile crime dramas The White Storm 2 – Drug Lords (starring Andy Lau Tak-wah and Louis Koo Tin-lok) and Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch (starring Tony Leung Ka-fai and Simon Yam Tat-wah). This year’s Golden Horse awards nominations will be announced on October 1.