SEOUL, Aug 7 — Iconic actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh has been named Asian Filmmaker of the Year at this year’s Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), organisers said Thursday, as reported by Yonhap.
“Versatile, commanding, and fiercely resolute — Michelle Yeoh’s performances are transcendent in every aspect: technique, style, and presence,” BIFF organisers said in a press release.
“Yeoh revolutionised the representation of women in action cinema, establishing herself as one of Hong Kong cinema’s defining stars,” they added.
Yeoh made her debut with Yes, Madam! (1985) and moved on to build a global presence through Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).
She also appeared in Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Wicked (2024) and became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress with Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).
Yeoh’s attendance at this year’s BIFF will mark her return to the red carpet event at the annual film fest in 15 years since she visited Busan for The Lady (2011).
A special programme will take place at this year’s BIFF that highlights three films of her choosing — Reign of Assassins (2010), Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Sandiwara (2026) — as well as her latest feature It’s My Time (2026).
The award will be presented at the opening ceremony of the 31st BIFF, scheduled for October 6 to 15 in the southeastern port city of Busan.
