Malaysia’s pride, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Michelle Yeoh (楊紫瓊), is set to receive yet another honorary award for her work in film! The Academy Award-winning actress will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the 2026 Berlinale Film Festival.
On 14th November 2025 (Friday), the Berlinale announced that it will award the 2026 Honorary Golden Bear to Michelle Yeoh, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in film and cinema. The actress will receive the award at the opening ceremony of the film festival at the Berlinale Palast on 12th February 2026.
The Honorary Golden Bear is the Berlinale’s highest honour, presented to individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the art of film. Previous recipients include Helen Mirren, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, Steven Spielberg, and Tilda Swinton. Michelle is the first Malaysian to receive the award and the second Asian, after South Korean filmmaker Im Kwon-taek.
Michelle previously served as a member of the Berlinale International Jury in 1999. In the press release, she shared her reaction to being honoured, saying, “Berlin has always held a special place in my heart. It was one of the first festivals to embrace my work with such warmth and generosity. Returning after all these years, in recognition of my journey in cinema, feels truly meaningful.”
Festival Director Tricia Tuttle also spoke about Michelle, calling her “a visionary artist and performer whose work defies boundaries ‒ whether geographic, linguistic, or cinematic.” She added, “Her commanding presence, fearless artistic choices, and unmistakable style have left a lasting impression on generations of filmmakers and fans at the Berlinale and across the globe.”
Congratulations to Michelle Yeoh on being awarded the Honorary Golden Bear – another addition to a long list of accolades!
