Legendary Actor Tony Leung Shares Acting Secrets and Personal Quirks at 2026 Golden Horse Film Master Class
In a rare and intimate look into the mind of one of cinema’s most enigmatic figures, Tony Leung appeared at the 2026 Golden Horse Film Master Class on April 13, 2026. The event, a collaboration between the Golden Horse Executive Committee and the Ministry of Culture’s Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry, saw the record-holding actor reflect on a career spanning over four decades.
Hosted by two-time Golden Horse winner Liu Guan-ting—who admitted to feeling as though he had “found a magic lamp” and was almost too intimidated to ask his questions—the session drew over a thousand industry professionals. Attendees included notable names such as Gwei Lun-mei, Yang Jin-hua, Zhang Rong-rong, Ke Jia-yan, Zeng Jing-hua, Zhu Xuan-yang, Wang Yu-xuan, Zhang Jun-ning, Wen Zhen-ling, Zhang Shi-ying and Song Bo-wei.
The Art of the ‘Silent’ Performance
Widely praised for his expressive gaze, Leung dismissed the idea that he consciously “acts” with his eyes. Instead, he explained that his performance methods focus on entering a state of relaxation and concentration. According to Leung, the eyes simply reflect a performer’s internal emotional state. To help inhabit a character, he suggests designing small details regarding the character’s mental state, circumstances, and background.
Leung likewise touched upon his legendary collaboration with director Wong Kar-wai. He noted that because they often worked without a script, a deep level of trust was essential. Even as he emphasized the need to understand what the director requires, he candidly joked, “Although I don’t know what Wong Kar-wai wants,” recalling a specific scene in Days of Being Wild involving eating pears with Maggie Cheung that required 40 takes.
A Global Icon’s Legacy
The master class highlighted Leung’s status as a “director’s dream,” a sentiment echoed by Ang Lee. Lee has praised Leung for his willingness to share vulnerability and for providing strength to the directors he works with. This creative synergy has led to a storied career, with Leung holding the record for the most Golden Horse Best Actor wins, securing three trophies for Chungking Express (1994), Infernal Affairs (2003), and Lust, Caution (2007).
Beyond the Golden Horse awards, Leung’s international footprint is immense. He is a Cannes Best Actor winner for In the Mood for Love (2000) and has starred in several Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winners, including A City of Sadness (1989), Cyclo (1995), and Lust, Caution. In 2023, he became the first Chinese actor to receive the Venice Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Golden Lion. His versatility has allowed him to bridge the gap between auteur cinema and global blockbusters, such as his role in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
The Man Behind the Movie Star
Despite his towering professional achievements, Leung remains grounded, stating, “Away from the camera, I’m just an ordinary person.” This humility is paired with some endearing personal quirks. During the event, Leung confirmed the rumor that he buys six seats when going to the cinema.
Fans have also embraced his “contrast charm,” noting the difference between his intense on-screen personas and his playful real-life personality. Recent press appearances have captured the actor in a lighthearted mood, sticking out his tongue, making heart signs, and drinking an entire bottle of water during a press conference.
Looking forward, Leung is venturing into modern territory with his first European film, a project that explores loneliness and features a performance alongside a century-old ginkgo tree.
