Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi is seen in a file photo. Zhang Ziyi will star in the opening short film of this year's Golden Rooster Awards. [File Photo: trends.com.cn]

Zhang Ziyi is rarely seen in comedy films, a fact the actress is hoping to change by starring in the opening short film of this year's Golden Rooster Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars of China.

Zhang Ziyi, the 2004 Golden Rooster best actress winner for the poignant film "Jasmine Women," will prove she can be funny too, acting against Liu Ye and Ge You, both of whom are Golden Rooster best actor winners.

The star-studded cast was unveiled in an announcement on the Web site of CCTV-6, the movie channel of China Central Television (CCTV).

CCTV-6 is in charge of producing the awards gala, and will air the show live on October 27.

Earlier reports said that the three-minute film will be directed by Chinese-American filmmaker Dayyan Eng.

A charity section will be incorporated into the gala event, whereby costumes used in the film will be put up for auction, with proceeds going to the One Foundation, spearheaded by martial-arts actor Jet Li.