Ang Lee

Ang Lee, a maverick in the film industry, has earned an unparalleled reputation as a visionary director. Lee’s roots trace back to Taiwan, where he was born in 1954. Despite his initial pursuit of computer science and drama in college, Lee’s zeal for storytelling propelled him to pursue a graduate degree in film from NYU.

Lee’s breakthrough into Hollywood came with his martial arts marvel Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2000. The wuxia film was a paramount critical and commercial hit, bagging four Academy Awards, including the Best Foreign Language Film. Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, a groundbreaking film that poignantly depicted the romance between two cowboys, earned him the distinction of being the first Asian filmmaker to win an Oscar for Best Director in 2005.

Lee’s oeuvre is known for its remarkable range, as he has tackled a diverse range of genres and difficult subject matters. From the Jane Austen adaptation Sense and Sensibility, to the comic book flick Hulk, to the adventure epic Life of Pi, which won four Oscars, and the war drama Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, which was the first ever shot in 120 frames per second 3D 4K HD, Lee leaves no stone unturned.

Lee is hailed as one of the most versatile and influential filmmakers of our time, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. His films are emotively stirring, visually spellbinding, and defy the boundaries of cinema. Lee’s accomplishments extend beyond his two Oscars for Best Director, as he has also been the recipient of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Despite his Hollywood connection, Lee remains rooted in his Taiwanese heritage, proudly representing his culture.