Jackie Chan Receives Career Leopard Award at Locarno Film Festival, Shares Career Insights
Legendary martial arts star and actor Jackie Chan received the prestigious Career Leopard award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, where he shared fascinating insights about his remarkable 64-year career in the film industry.
Early Career and Bruce Lee Connection
Chan fondly recalled his early days as a stunt performer, including working with Bruce Lee on Fist of Fury. “Bruce Lee tapped my shoulder [and said] ‘great’,” Chan remembered, describing a particularly challenging scene. Following Lee’s death, Chan faced pressure to become “the new Bruce Lee” – a path he ultimately rejected to forge his own unique identity.
Evolution as an Actor
Throughout his career, Chan has consistently pushed for evolution in his craft:
- Developed versatility beyond martial arts, including singing for TV appearances
- Aspired to be “an Asian Robert De Niro” rather than just an action star
- Transitioned to dramatic roles, as seen in the Karate Kid remake with Will Smith
Thoughts on Modern Cinema
At age 71, Chan offered candid perspectives on today’s film industry: “Right now, a lot of big studios are not filmmakers, they are business guys. Today, it’s very difficult to make a good movie.” Despite this, he maintains his passion for the craft and ability to perform, proudly declaring, “I still can fight!”
Legacy and Recognition
The Locarno Film Festival honored Chan’s contributions by screening his classics Project A (1983) and Police Story (1985), recognizing him as a pivotal figure who bridged Eastern and Western cinema while revolutionizing the action genre.
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