Gong Li has been named as the recipient of Cannes’ 2019 Women In Motion Award. “Her name will be forever linked to the Festival de Cannes, especially for her unforgettable performances in Zhang Yimou’s Grand Prix winner ‘To Live’ and Chen Kaige’s Palme d’Or, ‘Farewell My Concubine,'” a press release from the fest details.
Passionate about defying stereotypes, the Chinese actress refused the role of a Bond girl in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” “The presentation of the female character was not complex enough to give me the material to fully express myself,” she explained “I have always favored roles of women of character, played the register of resistance.”
“What Women Want,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and “Miami Vice” are among Gong’s best known credits in the U.S. She co-stars in Niki Caro’s upcoming live-action take on Disney’s “Mulan,” slated for release in March 2020.
“The love and respect of the audience give us actresses wings, give us the relentless force to pursue our path. It is a true honor for me to receive the Women In Motion Award,” Gong said in a statement. “Making films is fundamental in my life, and I am most grateful to be able to continue to share my work and my passion.”
Gong will receive the honor at the official Women In Motion dinner set to be held May 19. “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins took home the award last year. This year’s Young Talent Award will be presented to director Eva Trobisch (“All is Good”).
Cannes 2019 will run May 14-25. Just four of the features screening in Competition are women-directed.
