Renowned Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai has added another achievement to his illustrious career. On November 23, the 62-year-old star received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
Leung, celebrated for his versatility and emotional depth on screen, shared his secret to sustained excellence: approaching each project with a beginner’s mindset. “This keeps you fresh,” he explained. “It helps you avoid ego and the pitfalls of imagining yourself as an experienced actor, which can hold you back.”
During the ceremony, Leung encouraged the audience to follow their passions. “Love what you do and have passion. It’s not an easy journey, but for me, it has been incredibly rewarding.”
Leung and his wife, actress Carina Lau, shared moments from the occasion on Instagram. In one post, Leung donned a red robe and graduation cap, while Lau, 58, congratulated him, writing, “Congratulations, Dr. Leung.” The couple also posted a photo of Leung with Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, who received a Doctor of Engineering degree at the same ceremony.
HKUST praised Leung as a “role model for students,” citing his inspiring journey and contributions to society. Known for his standout performances in Wong Kar-wai classics like Happy Together (1997) and In the Mood for Love (2000), Leung’s accolades include a Best Actor award at Cannes for the latter. In 2023, he became the first Chinese actor to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, cementing his legacy as a global cinematic icon.
