The legendary martial arts icon Jackie Chan was celebrated with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera, the Lifetime Achievement Award, at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 9, 2025. The esteemed award recognizes Chan's profound and enduring contributions to global cinema over a career spanning nearly six decades.
During a special ceremony held at the iconic Piazza Grande, Chan, who is 71 years old, presented screenings of two of his seminal works: the 1983 action classic "Project A" and the 1985 groundbreaking film "Police Story." Both films were directed by and starred Chan, showcasing his dual talents as a performer and filmmaker. He shared a touching personal reflection, recalling his father's encouragement and his own continued vitality, stating, "I'm 71, and I can still fight." The following day, August 10, Chan engaged with an eager audience during a public panel discussion, offering insights into his remarkable journey.
Chan's career, which began as a child actor in the 1960s, has cemented his status as a global cultural phenomenon. He is celebrated for his distinctive fusion of martial arts prowess, physical comedy, and innovative, often self-performed, stunts that have consistently redefined the action genre. His breakthrough in Hong Kong cinema in the late 1970s with films like "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" and "Drunken Master" laid the foundation for his international superstardom. By the 1990s, Chan had become Asia's highest-grossing action star, a trajectory that led to his significant breakthrough in Hollywood with the "Rush Hour" franchise in 1998, making him one of the most recognizable faces in the world.
The Locarno Film Festival, running from August 6 to August 16, 2025, acknowledged Chan's immense influence, with Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro noting that Chan is "both a key figure in contemporary Asian cinema and one whose influence has rewritten the rules of Hollywood cinema." Chan's career achievements include appearing in over 150 films, with his movies grossing over $5.8 billion worldwide. He was also honored with an Honorary Oscar in 2016 for his extraordinary contributions to film. The festival's recognition of Chan highlights his unique ability to bridge cultural divides through his cinematic artistry, inspiring generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.