Speech by Michael Hui Winner of Lifetime achievement Award, Golden Globes 2023
1Some say life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are. This is so true to me. I had been playing drama for eight years before I became a stage director. I had been directing plays for five years before I was invited to direct a film. I had rejected the invitation several times before I directed my first film and won the Hong Kong Film Awards for Best New Director in the 1980s. Theatre production and film production are entirely different. I had never started working at 5am until I directed the first film. I can still recall overcoming my anxiety and pull oneself together to give clear directions to the crew.
2That year, I was awarded the best new director. The award meant a lot to me, and had a great impact on me. It was not to acknowledge how well I did in the past, but to show that more was expected from me in the coming years. Since then, I was better known for being an award-winning film director than a stage actor and director.
3I have been shooting numerous films for over 40 years. I am at the presentation ceremony today to receive this honorary award. I thank my family for this achievement. At this is a monumental moment, I'm so appreciative to people who have had a hand in getting me here to the award. My crew and my cast, you are my equals, you are my betters. I could have never been here without you.
4To all my fellows, I do not feel elevated above any of you. I have had the pleasure to work with you all over the last 50 years.