Michelle Yeoh to Receive cinema-in-berlin/” title=”Historic landmark of Basque … in Berlin”>Berlinale‘s Honorary Golden Bear in 2026
Berlin, November 13, 2025 – The Berlin International Film Festival will honor Academy Award-winning actress Michelle yeoh wiht the Honorary Golden Bear in 2026, recognizing her significant adn sustained contributions to the world of cinema. The award will be presented during the Opening Ceremony at the Berlinale Palast on February 12, 2026.
Yeoh is celebrated as one of the most versatile and influential actresses of her generation, boasting a four-decade career that spans multiple continents and has profoundly impacted international film. She previously served as a member of the Berlinale International Jury in 1999.
Throughout her career, Yeoh has captivated audiences with roles in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and, more recently, the critically acclaimed Everything Everywhere All at Once. She expressed her deep connection to the festival,stating,”Berlin has always held a special place in my heart. It was one of the first festivals to embrace my work with such warmth and generosity. Returning after all these years, in recognition of my journey in cinema, feels truly meaningful.”
Festival Director Tricia Tuttle lauded Yeoh as ”a visionary artist and performer whose work defies boundaries ‒ whether geographic, linguistic, or cinematic.” Tuttle further emphasized Yeoh’s “commanding presence, fearless artistic choices, and unmistakable style” and their lasting impact on filmmakers and fans globally.
Yeoh rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a string of accomplished action films including Yes, Madam, Royal Warriors, Police Story III, and Wing Chun, establishing herself as a leading figure in Asian action and martial arts cinema. She achieved international recognition in 1997 with her role in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies.
Her commitment to artistic excellence was further highlighted by her performances in Crouching tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything Everywhere All at Once. In 2023, Yeoh made history by becoming the first actress of Asian descent to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in everything Everywhere All at once.
Currently, Yeoh is appearing as Madame Morrible in the upcoming musical film Wicked: For Good, set to premiere soon. She also recently returned to Chinese cinema with Ms. Rubik’s Cube and is slated to lead a new installment of the television series Blade Runner 2099 for Amazon Prime Video, and also appear in the action thriller The Surgeon.
The Honorary Golden Bear is awarded by the berlinale to individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the art of film. past recipients include Helen Mirren,Martin Scorsese,Meryl Streep,Steven Spielberg,and Tilda Swinton.
