Oscar Tribute: Remembering Zheng Pei-Pei, the Queen of Martial Arts
The Academy Awards, widely regarded as the most prestigious honor in the global film industry, recently held its 97th ceremony. During the "In Memoriam" segment, which pays tribute to filmmakers who have passed away, the name of Zheng Pei-Pei, China's "Queen of Martial Arts," was prominently featured. Known for her iconic line "Come on, everyone, let's fly together," Zheng Pei-Pei's legendary status has transcended time and space, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With a career spanning decades, Zheng Pei-Pei's remarkable journey from a renowned martial arts actress to a versatile performer has captivated audiences worldwide.
3 March 2025
Zheng Pei-Pei had a dazzling film career, starring in many classic martial arts films, including "Tang Bohu Spots Autumn Fragrance," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "The Cat," "A Touch of Zen," "The Magic Lotus Lantern," "The Lovers," "Come Drink with Me," and "Mulan." Her role as Jade Fox in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" earned her widespread recognition, and the film's win as the first Chinese-language film to receive the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film solidified her place in cinematic history. She also won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2001 Hong Kong Film Awards for this role. Her film career spanned many years and continues to be remembered and admired by people today.
In the early years of Hong Kong cinema, Zheng Pei-Pei played a significant role in shaping the industry with her elegant and impressive performances, earning her the title of "Queen of Martial Arts." Her film career was not limited to martial arts films; she also acted in various types of movies and television dramas, such as "Flowers and Youngsters" and "The Legend of the Sword and Fairy." Her acting career is considered legendary, and in 2018, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Huading Awards. Even in 2020, she remained active on screen, starring in the Disney live-action film "Mulan" alongside Liu Yifei.
Many people consider Zheng Pei-Pei's movies to be their memories of youth, evoking great admiration and nostalgia with her tall figure, elegant demeanor, and stunning performance on screen. Her passing has led people to recall her film career and her glory on the silver screen. Her role as Jade Fox in Ang Lee's 2000 film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is one of her most classic characters, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her films are not just entertainment, but art, culture, and a testament to the times. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers to create even more outstanding works.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony paid tribute to Zheng Pei-Pei in its "In Memoriam" segment, featuring a clip from her iconic role in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride in her international acclaim. The tribute, narrated by Morgan Freeman, honored not only Zheng Pei-Pei but also other industry greats who have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. By including Zheng Pei-Pei in this tribute, the Academy acknowledged her contributions to the world of film, cementing her legacy as a true Hollywood legend. The tribute was a testament to the power of cinema to transcend borders and cultures, and Zheng Pei-Pei's inclusion was a fitting recognition of her enduring influence on the industry. Her name will forever be etched in the annals of film history, and her image will continue to be cherished by people around the world.
