Berlin Film Festival Honors Michelle Yeoh with Golden Bear Award
The Berlin Film Festival is preparing to honor Michelle Yeoh with an Honorary Golden Bear for her remarkable career. The prestigious award will be presented during the Opening Ceremony at the Berlinale Palast on February 12, 2026.
Michelle Yeoh: A Visionary Artist
Tricia Tuttle, the Berlinale Festival Director, praised Yeoh’s contributions to the industry. “Michelle Yeoh is a visionary artist and performer whose work defies boundaries—whether geographic, linguistic, or cinematic,” she stated. Tuttle highlighted Yeoh’s commanding presence and fearless artistic choices, emphasizing her significant impact on filmmakers and fans worldwide.
Yeoh’s Emotional Reflection
In response, Yeoh expressed her deep connection to Berlin. “Berlin has always held a special place in my heart,” she said. “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.”
Previous Recipients of the Honorary Golden Bear
- Helen Mirren
- Martin Scorsese
- Meryl Streep
- Steven Spielberg
- Tilda Swinton
Yeoh’s Career Highlights
Michelle Yeoh’s career began in the late 1980s and early 1990s with films such as Yes, Madam, Royal Warriors, and Police Story III. Her international breakthrough came in 1997 as the Chinese secret agent Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies. She is also renowned for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
A Member of the Berlin Jury
In 1999, Yeoh served as a member of the Berlin Jury. Currently, she is on the promotional circuit for Wicked: For Good. Earlier this year, she starred in Ms. Rubik’s Cube, directed by Bai Xue. Looking ahead, Yeoh will take the lead in the television series Blade Runner 2099 in 2026, which Ridley Scott is executive-producing for Amazon Prime Video.
