The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) officially kicked off today, February 12, 2026, with a historic tribute to Malaysian icon Michelle Yeoh. The Academy Award-winning actress was presented with the Honorary Golden Bear for her outstanding lifetime achievement in film. Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle praised Yeoh as one of the most versatile actors of her generation, highlighting a career that spans from 1980s Hong Kong action cinema to recent global blockbusters like Wicked. 

Yeoh, who previously served on the Berlinale jury in 1999, expressed deep gratitude, noting that Berlin was one of the first major festivals to embrace her work early in her career. The opening ceremony was attended by numerous international stars and industry leaders, marking a high point for Asian representation at the prestigious festival. This recognition further cements her status as a global cinema icon following her historic Oscar win.