Renowned for his breathtaking stunts, martial arts mastery, and infectious charisma, Jackie Chan is set to be honored in a remarkable way. In 2025, the Locarno Film Festival will present the iconic actor with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his decades-long influence on global cinema.
Jackie Chan has redefined action cinema, blending humor, martial arts, and high-octane stunts like no other. Starting as a child actor in the 1960s, he captured international attention with classics like Drunken Master and Police Story. His ability to act, direct, and choreograph stunts established him as a true pioneer. Chan’s work brought a mix of kung-fu comedy and daring sequences to a global audience, making him one of the most recognizable faces of martial arts and action movies.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Locarno Film Festival will honor Chan with the Career Leopard, or Pardo alla Carriera, in August 2025. He is set to attend special screenings and take part in a public conversation, offering fans a rare opportunity to hear insights from his legendary career.
The Career Leopard award recognizes individuals with outstanding contributions to cinema. Chan’s versatility goes beyond acting—he is also a director, producer, and accomplished singer. Locarno’s artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, praised Jackie Chan as "a key figure in contemporary Asian cinema" whose influence "has rewritten the rules of Hollywood cinema." He is admired for his ". . . unprecedented poetics of the human body in motion." For more on the festival’s tribute, read this AP7AM feature outlining Chan’s multifaceted talents and enduring appeal.
This year’s event follows in the footsteps of previous honorees, including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. As noted by the Hindustan Times, the festival continues its tradition of celebrating global icons whose work has shaped the film industry.
Even at 71, Jackie Chan continues to take on roles that showcase his unique blend of humor and action. While he may no longer perform the most dangerous stunts himself, his signature style and commitment to entertaining audiences remain unchanged. Chan’s films have bridged the gap between East and West, inspiring generations of filmmakers and fans around the world.
The Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival reaffirms Jackie Chan’s extraordinary journey and enduring legacy. From his early days in Hong Kong to Hollywood superstardom, Chan’s contributions to cinema are unparalleled. Fans and film enthusiasts can look forward to a festival tribute that celebrates not just a career, but an era defined by innovation, heart, and fearless storytelling.