Hong Kong's cinematic icon Tony Leung Chiu-wai reflects on his celebrated career and more
There’s much to be said about Tony Leung Chiu-wai, but for a man of his calibre, no amount of words will be enough to do him any justice. Having had a career spanning several decades, Leung is undoubtedly an iconic figure. Well-loved for his remarkable versatility and intense on-screen presence, he has captivated audiences with his stellar performances in a wide range of roles, from romantic leads such as in 2000’s In the Mood for Love to complex characters in crime dramas such as 2002’s Infernal Affairs.
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His roles are often profound, coupled with his ability to convey deep emotions with just a glance. It was this nuanced and emotive acting which earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the finest actors in the global film industry.
The 61-year-old has numerous awards to his name, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Best Actor award for In the Mood for Love. But as an unstoppable force that the world has recognised him to be, he would later go on to win the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2023, which received a prolonged standing ovation as he was the first Chinese actor to have accomplished such a feat–and rightfully so.
In speaking about receiving the highly coveted award, Leung smiles, “I’m thrilled. I feel like… after 40 years, people recognise and approve of my work, and I’m able to reap the rewards. I was nurtured by the Hong Kong film industry so the achievement is not mine alone–it also belongs to Hong Kong.”
Indeed, Leung’s journey from a young television actor to an international cinematic icon is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the transformative power of storytelling. “Starting my career in television was very important for me because it was a good foundation. I spent eight to ten years in television, learning to act and exploring different roles. My time in television gave me the opportunity to correct my mistakes, which really prepared me for the movies,” he reminisces.
Through his movies, he has captivated audiences with his magnetic performances and left an indelible mark on the hearts of moviegoers worldwide. In 2021, he became the first Hong Kong actor to star in a Marvel film–Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings–which shattered records at the box office battlefield. Something Leung didn’t expect but is appreciative of the nod to Asian representation.