Tony Leung Chiu-wai Named President of Shanghai Film Festival Jury

Tony Leung Chiu-wai, among Asia’s finest actors, has been appointed president of the jury for the Golden Goblet Awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival’s 28th edition. The esteemed Chinese-language film competition will run from 12–21 June 2026. Leung’s appointment constitutes a significant honour for the veteran performer, who has amassed over 100 screen credits across four decades collaborating with some of the world’s most celebrated acclaimed filmmakers, including Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee. The Golden Goblet Awards stand among Asia’s most prestigious film prizes, with Shanghai staging the festival each year as a UNESCO City of Film.

A Remarkable Work Life Extending Over Four Decades

Leung’s career began in 1982, with his first on-screen appearance occurring the year after. Over the past four decades, he has cemented his position as a cornerstone of Mandarin film industry, regularly producing portrayals of remarkable depth and nuance. His collaborations with world-renowned directors have produced some of the finest works in contemporary cinema, spanning diverse styles and artistic sensibilities. Whether navigating comedy, drama or action, Leung has shown an exceptional ability to inhabit intricate roles with understated power and genuine feeling.

Among his most memorable roles is the introspective Chow Mo-wan in Wong Kar-wai’s strikingly beautiful “In the Mood for Love,” a performance that displayed his talent for communicating deep feeling through restraint and nuance. He also gave a striking portrayal as the quick-witted Ouyang Feng in Jeffrey Lau’s “The Eagle Shooting Heroes,” and played the tormented warrior Broken Sword in Zhang Yimou’s “Hero.” These varied characters demonstrate Leung’s impressive breadth and his talent for enriching every film he takes on, earning him regard and respect from both viewers and film industry figures alike.

• First screen debut in 1983 following professional debut in 1982
• Worked alongside Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou, Ang Lee and John Woo
• Over 100 film credits earned across 40 years of work
• Golden Lion awardee at Venice Film Festival in 2023 for lifetime achievement

The Golden Goblet Awards and Shanghai’s Cinema Legacy

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, taking place between 12 to 21 June, constitutes a showcase for Chinese cinema at its finest. As a UNESCO City of Film, Shanghai occupies a uniquely significant place in the cinematic heritage, functioning as the birthplace of Chinese filmmaking itself. The festival’s choice to name Leung as jury president emphasises the event’s commitment to honouring artistic excellence and recognising the profound contributions of cinema’s most distinguished practitioners. His leadership of the jury is set to elevate the festival’s prestige and strengthen Shanghai’s position as a world hub of cinematic achievement.

Leung’s role comes at a moment of substantial cultural relevance, occurring alongside his status as one of cinema’s most celebrated living performers. His vision and artistic sensibility will without doubt shape the jury’s discussions and affect the awarding of prizes. The actor himself shared his passion for the role, stating that “Cinema is the art of dreaming, and Shanghai is the very vessel on which the Chinese film dream set sail.” This evocative expression captures the deep link between Leung’s creative heritage and the festival’s mission to champion exceptional filmmaking.

Asia’s Premier Sporting Event

The Golden Goblet Awards rank amongst Asia’s most prestigious and rigorous film prizes, drawing entries from across the region and beyond. The awards honour outstanding work across various categories, recognising outstanding achievements in direction, performance, cinematography and script writing. By naming Leung as head of the jury, the Shanghai Film Festival has obtained a figure whose sharp perception and comprehensive grasp of cinematic expression will guarantee the preservation of their reputation for discovering and celebrating the most accomplished current film work.

Legendary Performances That Defined Cinema

Throughout his celebrated 40-year career, Tony Leung Chiu-wai has delivered a succession of performances that have significantly transformed Chinese-language cinema and garnered international widespread praise. With more than 100 acting credits to his name, Leung has demonstrated exceptional versatility, seamlessly navigating comedy, drama, action and art cinema. His partnerships with some of global film’s most visionary directors—including Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou, Ang Lee and Hou Hsiao-hsien—have created some of the most acclaimed and culturally important films of the past four decades, confirming him as an actor of unmatched depth and sophistication.

Leung’s depictions are distinguished by their exceptional emotional depth and restraint, characteristics that have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Whether delivering the sharp wit of Ouyang Feng or embodying the quiet devastation of Chow Mo-wan, he brings forth an steadfast authenticity to each role. His capacity to communicate complex emotional landscapes by means of restrained physical performance and expression has earned him recognition far beyond Chinese-language film, establishing him as one of contemporary film’s most respected and influential actors.

International Recognition and Influence

Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s contributions to cinema have surpassed geographical and linguistic boundaries, earning him recognition as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation. His work has captivated audiences across the globe, whilst simultaneously earning the respect of the world’s most refined filmmakers. The breadth of his artistic achievements has established him as a cultural ambassador for Chinese cinema, showcasing the universal power of subtle, carefully crafted performances to resonate across all borders and cultural contexts.

The height of his global acclaim came three years ago at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where Leung became the first Chinese actor to receive the celebrated Golden Lion honour for lifetime contributions. This honour marked 40 years since his screen debut and represented a pivotal moment in acknowledging his profound influence on global cinema. Director Ang Lee, in his assessment, praised Leung as the standard of performer every filmmaker seeks to work with—an artist who invests completely in his art and elevates the contributions of those around him through his dedication and excellence.

• First Chinese actor to be awarded Venice’s Golden Lion for lifetime achievement
• Partnered with world-renowned directors throughout multiple continents and film traditions
• Recognised as a cultural envoy for Chinese cinema internationally

What Lies Ahead at the 28th Shanghai Festival

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, taking place between 12 to 21 June, will benefit immeasurably from Leung’s leadership of the Golden Goblet Awards jury. His appointment demonstrates the festival’s dedication to honouring artistic excellence and cultural significance in contemporary cinema. As a figure who embodies the very best of Chinese filmmaking whilst preserving authentic global reputation, Leung’s presence as jury president will bring substantial credibility to the competition and attract submissions from acclaimed filmmakers worldwide seeking recognition from such a prestigious jury.

Shanghai’s status as a UNESCO-designated Film City and the birthplace of Chinese cinema makes it the perfect location for Leung to direct this year’s awards. The Golden Goblet Awards rank among Asia’s most prestigious film honours, and with Leung leading the jury’s discussions, the festival promises to celebrate exceptional accomplishments across diverse cinematic traditions. His vision and experience will ensure that the competition maintains its standing for identifying groundbreaking films that advance the art form and resonate with global audiences.