Johnnie To

Johnnie To, born on April 22, 1955, in Puning, Guangdong, is a distinguished film director, screenwriter, and producer. He began his directorial career in 1980 with his debut film "The Enigmatic Case." In 1989, he gained widespread attention with the drama film "All About Ah-Long." His 1992 comedy film "Justice, My Foot!" not only topped the annual box office in Hong Kong but also set a new box office record. In 1995, he released "Loving You," and in 1996, he co-founded Milkyway Image film company with Wai Ka-fai, Yau Nai-hoi, and others. Entering the new century, he joined China Star Entertainment Group in 2000 and served as the Chief Operating Officer. The renowned Hong Kong director won the Best Director Award at the 23rd Hong Kong Film Awards in 2003 for "PTU." Two years later, he won the Best Director Award again at the 25th Hong Kong Film Awards for "Election." In 2007, his film "Exiled" earned him the Best Director Award at the 12th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards. In 2008, he served as a jury member at the 65th Venice International Film Festival. In 2011, he won the Best Director Award at the 49th Golden Horse Awards for his film "Life Without Principle," and the following year, he received the Best Director Award at the 12th Chinese Film Media Awards for the same film. Johnnie To's works have had a profound impact on the Chinese-speaking film industry. In 2013, his film "Drug War" broke the box office record for police and crime films in mainland China, and he won the Best Director Award at the 14th Chinese Film Media Awards for this film the following year. In 2015, he directed the drama "Office" and the crime film "Three." In 2016, he co-directed the fantasy blockbuster "The Monster Killer" with Wai Ka-fai. In 2017, he became a new member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Notably, in 2018, he received the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon East-West Exchange Contribution Honor at the 2nd Pingyao International Film Festival.