Michelle Yeoh Named Asian Filmmaker of the Year at Busan Film Festival

SEOUL, Aug. 6 (Yonhap) -- Iconic actress Michelle Yeoh has been selected as "The Asian Filmmaker of the Year" at this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), organizers said Thursday.

"Versatile, commanding, and fiercely resolute -- Michelle Yeoh's performances are transcendent in every aspect: technique, style, and presence," BIFF organizers said in a press release.

"Yeoh revolutionized 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) in 2011.

A special program will take place at this year's BIFF that highlights three films she picked -- "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 edition of BIFF, scheduled for Oct. 6-15 in the southeastern port city of Busan.