Taiwan Today
Date: October 31, 2016

Taiwan-born filmmaker Ang Lee received the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for

Taiwan-born director Ang Lee received the 2016 John Schlesinger Britannia Award for Excellence in Directing Oct. 28 in Beverly Hills, California. (CNA)

Excellence in Directing at the 2016 British Academy Britannia Awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Oct. 28 in Beverly Hills, California.

“Ang Lee is truly one of the great visionary directors of our time, with a remarkable international career that continually demonstrates bold choices and provocative perspectives,” said Kieran Breen, chairman of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles. “From ‘Sense and Sensibility’ to ‘Life of Pi,’ Mr. Lee has had a special place in BAFTA’s heart.” Lee received the award from Jake Gyllenhaal, lead actor in Lee’s first Academy Award-winning film “Brokeback Mountain.” In return, Lee hugged Gyllenhaal when he was presented with the award.

Lee was the first person of Asian descent to be bestowed the prestigious honor by BAFTA Los Angeles. The London-headquartered organization bills itself as an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence.    [FULL  STORY]