Renowned Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai was bestowed with the prestigious Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
In an interview with Reuters TV, Leung expressed his gratitude and delight, describing the recognition as a “dream come true.”
Leung’s journey to international acclaim was paved by his outstanding performances in films directed by Wong Kar-wai, with notable highlights including “In the Mood for Love” (2000) and “2046” (2004).
The Venice Film Festival holds a special place in Leung’s career, having starred in three films that received the coveted Golden Lion award: “A City of Sadness” (1989), “Cyclo” (1995), and “Lust, Caution” (2007). The latter was directed by Ang Lee, who had the honor of presenting Leung with his well-deserved award during the festival.
Before the ceremony, the 61-year-old actor shared personal insights about his artistic journey. He revealed that acting had helped him overcome shyness, stating, “I used to suppress all the feelings inside. I didn’t show all my feelings in front of others.”
Leung also provided a glimpse into his upcoming projects, including “The Goldfinger,” a Hong Kong crime thriller set to release at the end of the year. The film will reunite him with Andy Lau, his co-star from the 2002 hit “Infernal Affairs.” Notably, in this project, their roles will be reversed, with Leung portraying the antagonist. He acknowledged the unique challenge of playing the role of the “bad guy.”
In a significant departure from his previous work, Leung revealed his foray into European cinema with “Silent Friend,” a film directed by Hungary’s Ildikó Enyedi. In preparation for the role of a neuroscientist, he expressed his dedication, sharing, “I plan to spend like eight months preparing for it because I’m playing a neuroscientist. I have no idea about what neuroscience is. So I have to read a lot of books and I have to do a lot of university hopping.”
Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s illustrious career, marked by his remarkable performances and versatility, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to his exceptional contributions to the world of cinema.
