Tony Leung Chiu Wai has been named one of the recipients of the Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement for this year’s edition of the Venice Film Festival.
The news was shared by festival director Alberto Barbera, saying that Tony has “achieved a unique profile as a pan-Asian and global star confirming his presence within ever-shifting screen cultures, deconstructing the traditional idea of male stardom and bringing compelling sensitivity to all his roles.”
Speaking about the honour, the actor, known for many award-winning movies like “Lust, Caution”, “In the Mood for Love”, and “2046”, expressed, “I am overwhelmed and honoured with the news from the Biennale di Venezia. I hope to celebrate this award with all the filmmakers I have worked with. This award is a tribute to all of them as well.”
Aside from Tony, the festival will also be honouring Liliana Cavani, one of the prominent members of the New Italian Cinema movement.
Tony is the latest Hong Kong artiste to receive the honour after filmmakers John Woo in 2010 and Ann Hui in 2020, though he is the first actor to win it.
The actor was most recently awarded at the Asian Film Awards, winning Best Actor for his performance in “Where the Wind Blows”.
The 80th Venice Film Festival will be running from 30 August to 9 September.
(Photo Source: Tony Leung IG)