World-renowned martial arts icon and Hollywood action hero Jackie Chan is set to receive a lifetime achievement award from the prestigious Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland. Traditionally focused on independent cinema, the 78th edition of the festival will be held from August 6 to 16.
This year, the festival pays tribute to a cinematic legend who has built a cultural bridge between Eastern and Western film industries.
Jackie Chan will attend the festival in person, where two of his iconic films — Project A (1983) and Police Story (1985), both directed by and starring Chan — will be screened as part of the tribute. On August 10, he will also participate in a live on-stage conversation.
Locarno Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro praised Chan’s multifaceted contributions to cinema: “Jackie Chan is not only an actor, but also a director, producer, choreographer, songwriter, singer, and a daring stunt performer. His influence spans from Asian cinema to Hollywood. Honoring him means honoring world cinema itself.”
He added, “Jackie Chan has elevated the physical language of film to a level where musical rhythm, martial arts finesse, and comedic grace merge into a new cinematic form. There is a clear ‘before Jackie Chan’ and ‘after Jackie Chan’ in the world of cinema.”
At 71, Jackie Chan began his journey in martial arts cinema in Hong Kong, later achieving global recognition with films like Rumble in the Bronx (1995) and the blockbuster Rush Hour (1998). His path to stardom has since become legendary.
In 2017, Chan received an honorary Oscar for his lifelong contributions to the film industry.