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

Tony Leung Chiu-wai, one of Asia’s most celebrated actors, has been named president of the jury for the Golden Goblet Awards at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. The esteemed Chinese-language film competition will run from 12–21 June 2026. Leung’s appointment constitutes a notable distinction for the veteran performer, who has accumulated more than 100 film credits across 40 years collaborating with some of the world’s most celebrated acclaimed filmmakers, including Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee. The Golden Goblet Awards rank amongst Asia’s most esteemed film prizes, with Shanghai staging the festival annually as a UNESCO City of Film.

A Remarkable Career Covering 40 Years

Leung’s career began in 1982, with his first on-screen appearance occurring the year after. Over the past four decades, he has established himself as a cornerstone of Chinese-language cinema, consistently delivering portrayals of exceptional sophistication and subtlety. His collaborations with world-renowned directors have produced some of the most celebrated films in modern film, spanning multiple genres and creative visions. Whether navigating humour, dramatic or action roles, Leung has shown an remarkable talent to embody intricate roles with quiet intensity and emotional authenticity.

Among his most celebrated roles is the melancholic Chow Mo-wan in Wong Kar-wai’s visually breathtaking “In the Mood for Love,” a performance that displayed his ability to express deep feeling through understatement and nuance. He also gave a striking portrayal as the wisecracking Ouyang Feng in Jeffrey Lau’s “The Eagle Shooting Heroes,” and played the conflicted warrior Broken Sword in Zhang Yimou’s “Hero.” These diverse roles highlight Leung’s exceptional versatility and his talent for enriching every project he undertakes, garnering respect and admiration from both viewers and film industry figures alike.

• First on-screen appearance in 1983 after professional debut in 1982
• Worked alongside Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou, Ang Lee and John Woo
• Over 100 acting roles accumulated throughout four decades of work
• Golden Lion recipient at Venice Film Festival in 2023 for lifetime achievement

The Prestigious Goblet Awards and Shanghai’s Film Heritage

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, running from 12 to 21 June, constitutes a showcase for Chinese cinema at its finest. As a UNESCO City of Film, Shanghai holds a distinctly important place in the cinematic heritage, functioning as the cradle of Chinese filmmaking itself. The festival’s decision to appoint Leung as jury president underscores the event’s commitment to honouring artistic excellence and recognising the significant impact of cinema’s most accomplished practitioners. His leadership of the jury is set to elevate the festival’s prestige and reinforce Shanghai’s status as a global centre for cinematic achievement.

Leung’s role occurs at a moment of significant cultural significance, coinciding with his status as one of cinema’s most celebrated living performers. His vision and artistic sensibility will certainly shape the jury’s discussions and influence the selection of award recipients. 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 poetic sentiment captures the profound connection between Leung’s creative heritage and the festival’s dedication to celebrating remarkable film work.

Asia’s Most Esteemed Tournament

The Golden Goblet Awards are among Asia’s most esteemed and competitive film prizes, drawing entries from across the region and beyond. The awards recognise achievement across numerous categories, recognising outstanding achievements in directing, acting, cinematography and screenwriting. By naming Leung as head of the jury, the Shanghai Film Festival has engaged a figure whose sharp perception and comprehensive grasp of cinematic expression will ensure the awards maintain their reputation for discovering and celebrating the finest contemporary filmmaking.

Legendary Performances That Transformed Cinema

Throughout his acclaimed 40-year career, Tony Leung Chiu-wai has delivered a series of performances that have fundamentally shaped Chinese-language cinema and garnered international critical acclaim. With over one hundred film roles to his name, Leung has shown remarkable versatility, seamlessly navigating comedy, drama, action and art cinema. His work alongside some of global film’s most visionary directors—including Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou, Ang Lee and Hou Hsiao-hsien—have produced some of the most acclaimed and culturally important films of the past four decades, establishing him as an actor of unparalleled depth and sophistication.

Leung’s characterisations are notable for their exceptional interiority and emotional restraint, qualities that have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. In delivering the sharp wit of Ouyang Feng or embodying the understated heartbreak of Chow Mo-wan, he brings forth an uncompromising authenticity to all his roles. His skill in expressing intricate emotional terrain through nuanced gesture and expression has earned him renown that transcends Chinese-language film, positioning him as one of today’s film industry’s most respected and influential performers.

Global Recognition and Impact

Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s impact on cinema have crossed geographical and linguistic boundaries, earning him recognition as one of the most prominent actors of his generation. His work has engaged audiences across the globe, whilst simultaneously earning the respect of the world’s most refined filmmakers. The scope of his creative achievements has cemented his role as a cultural ambassador for cinema from China, showcasing the universal power of layered, thoughtfully rendered performances to resonate across all borders and cultural contexts.

The zenith of his worldwide standing came three years back at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where Leung became the first actor from China to receive the esteemed Golden Lion accolade for lifetime achievement. This recognition marked four decades since his acting debut and represented a watershed moment in acknowledging his profound influence on global cinema. Director Ang Lee, in his assessment, praised Leung as the calibre of performer every filmmaker aspires to collaborate with—an artist who commits entirely to his craft and elevates the work of all around him through his commitment and skill.

• First Chinese actor to win Venice’s Golden Lion for career achievement
• Partnered with internationally acclaimed directors throughout multiple continents and film traditions
• Recognised as a cultural envoy for Chinese cinema internationally

What Awaits for the 28th Shanghai Festival

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, taking place between 12 to 21 June, will gain considerably from Leung’s stewardship of the Golden Goblet Awards jury. His appointment signals the festival’s commitment to celebrating creative achievement and cultural importance in modern filmmaking. As a personality that represents the very best of Chinese filmmaking whilst preserving authentic global reputation, Leung’s presence as jury president will lend considerable prestige to the competition and draw entries from celebrated directors worldwide seeking recognition from such a prestigious jury.

Shanghai’s status as a UNESCO-designated Film City and the cradle of Chinese cinema makes it the ideal venue for Leung to oversee this year’s awards. The Golden Goblet Awards rank among Asia’s most prestigious film honours, and with Leung guiding the jury’s discussions, the festival is set to celebrate exceptional accomplishments across diverse cinematic traditions. His experience and vision will guarantee that the competition maintains its standing for identifying groundbreaking films that advance the art form and connect with global audiences.