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

Tony Leung Chiu-wai, one of Asia’s most celebrated actors, has been appointed 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 significant honour for the veteran performer, who has amassed more than 100 film credits across four decades collaborating with some of world cinema’s most 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 annually as a UNESCO City of Film.

A Remarkable Career Spanning Four Decades of Excellence

Leung’s career began in 1982, with his first on-screen appearance arriving the following year. Over the past four decades, he has cemented his position as a cornerstone of Chinese-language cinema, regularly producing portrayals of exceptional sophistication and subtlety. His work alongside celebrated filmmakers have created some of the most celebrated films in contemporary cinema, spanning multiple genres and artistic sensibilities. Whether exploring humour, dramatic or action roles, Leung has shown an exceptional ability to embody complex characters with quiet intensity and emotional authenticity.

Among his most iconic roles is the brooding Chow Mo-wan in Wong Kar-wai’s strikingly beautiful “In the Mood for Love,” a performance that displayed his talent for communicating profound emotion through restraint and nuance. He also gave a striking portrayal as the sharp-tongued Ouyang Feng in Jeffrey Lau’s “The Eagle Shooting Heroes,” and embodied the troubled fighter Broken Sword in Zhang Yimou’s “Hero.” These diverse roles highlight Leung’s exceptional versatility and his talent for enriching every film he takes on, garnering regard and respect from both viewers and film industry figures alike.

• First on-screen appearance in 1983 after career start in 1982
• Worked alongside Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou, Ang Lee and John Woo
• Over 100 screen credits earned across 40 years of work
• Golden Lion winner at Venice Film Festival in 2023 in recognition of lifetime achievement

The Golden Goblet Awards and Shanghai’s Film Heritage

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, taking place between 12 to 21 June, represents a showcase for Chinese cinema at its best. As a UNESCO City of Film, Shanghai occupies 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 profound contributions of cinema’s most accomplished practitioners. His leadership of the jury promises to elevate the festival’s prestige and strengthen Shanghai’s status as a global centre for cinematic achievement.

Leung’s role comes at a moment of substantial cultural importance, coinciding with his acknowledgement as one of cinema’s most celebrated living performers. His creative vision and artistic approach will certainly influence the jury’s deliberations and determine the awarding of prizes. The actor himself expressed his enthusiasm for the role, remarking that “Cinema is the art of dreaming, and Shanghai is the very vessel on which the Chinese film dream set sail.” This evocative expression embodies the profound connection between Leung’s creative heritage and the festival’s commitment to promoting outstanding cinema.

Asia’s Most Esteemed Sporting Event

The Golden Goblet Awards stand as Asia’s most prestigious and rigorous film prizes, receiving works from across the region and beyond. The awards celebrate excellence across numerous categories, recognising outstanding achievements in directing, acting, cinematography and screenwriting. By selecting Leung to chair the jury, the Shanghai Film Festival has secured a figure whose sharp perception and deep understanding of film craft will safeguard the continuation of their reputation for recognising and rewarding the most accomplished current film work.

Legendary Performances That Defined Cinema

Throughout his celebrated 40-year career, Tony Leung Chiu-wai has created a succession of performances that have profoundly influenced Chinese-language cinema and secured international widespread praise. With over one hundred film roles to his name, Leung has demonstrated exceptional versatility, expertly moving between 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 yielded some of the most acclaimed and culturally important films of the past 40 years, cementing his position as an actor of unparalleled depth and sophistication.

Leung’s portrayals are distinguished by their striking interiority and emotional restraint, characteristics that have resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Whether delivering the biting comedy of Ouyang Feng or portraying the quiet devastation of Chow Mo-wan, he brings an uncompromising authenticity to every role. His ability to convey sophisticated emotional depths through nuanced gesture and expression has garnered him acclaim extending beyond Mandarin-language cinema, cementing his status as one of modern cinema’s most acclaimed and significant actors.

Worldwide Recognition and Influence

Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s influence over cinema have surpassed geographical and linguistic boundaries, earning him recognition as one of the most significant actors of his generation. His work has captivated audiences across the globe, whilst simultaneously securing the respect of the world’s most refined filmmakers. The range of his achievements has established him as a cultural ambassador for Chinese cinema, showcasing the universal power of nuanced, deeply considered performances to resonate across all borders and cultural contexts.

The pinnacle of his worldwide standing came three years ago at the Venice International Film Festival’s 80th edition, where Leung became the inaugural Chinese performer to receive the celebrated Golden Lion honour for lifetime contributions. This recognition marked four decades since his acting debut and represented a pivotal moment in acknowledging his profound influence on world cinema. Director Ang Lee, in his tribute, praised Leung as the calibre of artist every filmmaker wishes to partner with—an artist who commits entirely to his art and elevates the contributions of those around him through his dedication and excellence.

• First Chinese actor to win Venice’s Golden Lion for lifetime contribution
• Partnered with internationally acclaimed directors across multiple continents and film traditions
• Established as a cultural representative for Chinese cinema worldwide

What The Future Holds for the 28th Shanghai Festival

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, taking place between 12 to 21 June, will gain considerably from Leung’s leadership of the Golden Goblet Awards jury. His appointment demonstrates the festival’s commitment to honouring artistic excellence and cultural significance in contemporary cinema. As a personality that represents the finest aspects of Chinese filmmaking whilst preserving genuine international standing, 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 City of Film and the cradle 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 esteemed cinematic accolades, and with Leung guiding the jury’s deliberations, the festival promises to celebrate outstanding achievements across diverse cinematic traditions. His vision and experience will ensure that the competition maintains its standing for identifying transformative works that push the medium forward and resonate with global audiences.