Zhang reunited with Wong Kar-wai and Tony Leung for "The Grandmaster" (2013), which also marks her return to the martial arts genre after 7 years since "The Banquet" (2006). The film was China's submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign-Language Picture. Critics praise Zhang's portrayal of Gong'Er as the "best performance she's ever delivered in the history of her career." which led to her winning several "Best Actress" trophies across Asia. The same year, she reprised her role as Sophie in "My Lucky Star", a sequel to "Sophie's Revenge". Described as Zhang's "breakthrough comedy role", the film topped Chinese box office on the week of its release.