"I am 71. I still can fight."
Jackie Chan owned the moment as he accepted his award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival.
Standing in front of thousands at Piazza Grande, the Hong Kong legend delivered the line with a grin that’s launched a thousand action sequences, and the crowd roared right back.
The festival honored Chan with the Pardo alla Carriera (Career Leopard Award), a lifetime achievement prize celebrating more than six decades of martial arts magic, slapstick genius, and heart-on-sleeve storytelling.
Switching effortlessly to Italian with a warm "Buona sera," Chan joked about the weight of the golden leopard trophy—"It’s very, very heavy"— before sincerely thanking audiences from around the world, along with the crews, stunt teams, and filmmakers who’ve been part of his long journey from Hong Kong backlots to Hollywood soundstages.
Throughout the evening, those familiar with Chan’s career were reminded of his incredible range, from his jaw-dropping stunts in classics like Project A and Police Story to his international success with hits like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon.
His work has always been more than fight scenes—it’s inventiveness, perfect timing, and the rare ability to make audiences laugh as much as they gasp.
Jackie Chan: A Cinematic Journey
Image via IMDb
1978 – Drunken Master
Breakout kung fu comedy that put Chan on the map, mixing acrobatics with slapstick charm.
1983 – Project A
Swashbuckling action in colonial Hong Kong, featuring his famous clock tower stunt.
1985 – Police Story
A game-changing action classic with jaw-dropping stunts and glass-shattering chaos.
1986 – Armour of God
A globe-trotting treasure hunt that nearly ended in tragedy after a dangerous stunt injury.
1994 – Drunken Master II
Martial arts at its finest, often called Chan’s best work.
1995 – Rumble in the Bronx
Hollywood debut that brought his style of action comedy to U.S. audiences.
1998 – Rush Hour
The buddy-cop hit with Chris Tucker that made him a household name worldwide.
2000 – Shanghai Noon
An East-meets-West romp with Owen Wilson.
2010 – The Karate Kid
Heartfelt turn as Mr. Han, proving he can break hearts as easily as boards.
2023 – Ride On
A tender ode to stunt performers, starring Chan and a very memorable horse.
2025 – Karate Kid: Legends
His latest adventure was reuniting with Ralph Macchio and mentoring a new martial arts protégé.
[Cover image via The Hollywood Reporter]
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