"At
the 53rd Cannes Film Festival, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung
Chiu-Wai received the biggest prize in his 18-year career
when he won the Best Actor Award for his role in Wong Kar-Wai's
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. With the victory, Leung became
the first Asian to win the Best Actor Award and the second Asian,
after Ge You, to win any award at Cannes.
"On winning his award, Leung had the following to say:
'I'm very happy. Actually, I'm this happy every time I win an award. This time is special because it is Cannes and it is the biggest award an Asian actor has ever won. The Oscars are out of the question, so the only opportunity was here at Cannes. Three years ago, I thought I had a chance with HAPPY TOGETHER, but I ended up losing by one vote. I was really disappointed. Now, I've finally won the prize I've been hoping for in my heart.'
'When I won my HKFA Award for CHUNGKING EXPRESS, my mind went blank for about three minutes. It was the same this time except longer. I'm really happy! I've finally fulfilled a personal wish.'
'I will keep pushing myself. Right now, I have no plans to marry. But I do have plans to start working behind the camera. If I have the energy and the opportunity, I would like to try to direct.'
"The 37-year-old actor began his career in 1982 when he signed with TVB in Hong Kong. Later that year, he made his acting debut in the TVB series HEUNG SING LONG JI (lit. HONG KONG RUFFIAN) co-starring Felix Wong Yat-Wah and Kent Tong Chun-Yip. In 1984, Leung established his popularity in Hong Kong with the TVB series POLICE CADET. His romantic interest in that series was none other than Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk. The series also starred Lau Ching-Wan and Carina Lau Ka-Ling."
(05/2000)
