Particle.news

Michelle Yeoh Accepts Berlinale Honorary Golden Bear, Stays Focused on Cinema

She declined to weigh in on U.S. politics at a press conference.

Overview

  • Yeoh received the festival’s lifetime Honorary Golden Bear on opening night, with filmmaker Sean Baker presenting the award and praising her as a once‑in‑a‑generation screen presence.
  • She became the first Asian woman to be honored with the Berlinale’s top career tribute.
  • Addressing representation, Yeoh said progress in Hollywood “continues to be a struggle,” citing the paths carved by projects like Crazy Rich Asians, Shang‑Chi and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
  • She said she intends to support filmmakers in Hong Kong, aims to return to make a film there this year, and is working on a third Wandering Earth film with director Frant Gwo.
  • The 76th Berlinale opened with Shahrbanoo Sadat’s No Good Men as festival leaders underscored a focus on emerging voices and diverse storytelling.