Michelle Yeoh at the CineAsia 1999
December 7 - 9 1999, Hong Kong

On December 9th of 1999, Michelle was honored with the award of "Excellence in Acting" at the CineAsia, the only international convention and trade show dedicated to the Asian cinema exhibition & distribution community.

The 1999 ceremony took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. A total of six people were awarded: "Exhibitor of the Year" to Gerald Dibbayawan and Golden Village Cinemas; "Excellence in Directing" to Tsui Hark; "Star of Tomorrow" to Zhang Ziyi; "Ira D. Kaye Humanitarian Award" to Jackie Chan; "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Zhang Yimou; and the final award presentation of the evening, award of "Excellence in Acting", went to Michelle, who was described by award presenter Peter Cowlie as an actress that "lights up the screen" as well as garnishes the highest paycheck in Asia.

Upon accepting her award, Michelle said, "Santa Claus came to town early for Michelle Yeoh." Michelle expressed gratitude to her parents for "not making me go back to Malaysia after they saw my first action film" and to Terrance Chang, her manager of 15 years by the time.

(click on images to enlarge)

(click on photos to enlarge)
(1) (L to R): Zhang Yimou, Michelle, Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi (2)(3) Michelle with Jackie Chan (4) Michelle talking to the media

Boxoffice Magazine reports: When told that many people in the U.S. feel that the Bond Girls in the latest 007 installment pale in comparison to her own tougher, more independent version, the extremely affable Yeoh told BOXOFFICE at CineAsia that she was "very flattered by the compliment." She thought, however, that "the comparison is a little unfair, considering that I was already an established action star when approached to play the role." Yeoh added, "I look forward to seeing ["The World is Not Enough"] when it gets [to Hong Kong] because I'm a big fan of the series and I'm a big fan of Pierce [Brosnan]."


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