Taiwan director Chang Tso-chi holds up his trophy after winning best film for When Love Comes. (Patrick Lin/AFP/Getty)

Art house films trumped blockbusters at the annual Golden Horse Film Awards, the Chinese-language twin of the Oscars.

The family drama When Love Comes, by Taiwan's Chang Tso-chi, captured best picture at the ceremonies in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, on Saturday.

"I want to thank my team and my parents. I didn't let them down. I will continue to work hard," said Chang as he accepted his trophy.

Heading into the awards with 14 nominations, the film — about a family's entangled relationships after the father takes a mistress to bear him a son — also picked up two technical prizes for cinematography and art direction.

Another low-key film from Taiwan, The Fourth Portrait, garnered a best directing accolade for Chung Mong-hong, who beat out Chang and favourite Teddy Chen, director of the box office hit Bodyguards and Assassins.

"I am so happy. This is such a surprise," proclaimed Chung.

The film, which examines domestic violence and prostitution, also nabbed an award for China's Hau Lei for best supporting actress.

Her compatriot, Lu Liping, grabbed best actress for her role as a working-class mother struggling with a rebellious son in City Monkey.

And Taiwan's pop idol Ethan Ruan was crowned best actor for his turn in the gangster flick Monga.

Bodyguards and Assassins managed only two wins, best makeup and costume design, after heading into the competition with nine nominations.

Spring Fever, a Chinese film about gay romance, was handed the best editing and best original film score awards while Hip Hop Storm captured the documentary trophy.

Liu Jie and Gao Shan won for Best Original Screenplay for Judge.