Jackie Chan to receive honorary Oscar award

Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan AP/Kin Cheung

Martial arts star Jackie Chan is one of the “big four” who is expected to receive the 2016 Governors Award, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Thursday.

Chan, 62, will receive the prestigious Oscar statuette alongside three other awardees–film editor Anne Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman.

“The Honorary Award was created for artists like Jackie Chan, Anne Coates, Lynn Stalmaster and Frederick Wiseman–true pioneers and legends in their crafts. The Board is proud to honor their extraordinary achievements, and we look forward to celebrating with them at the Governors Awards in November,” said Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Academy president, in a statement cited by Hollywood Reporter.

Chan began his historic big-screen expedition when he was 6 years old. He first appeared in Hollywood in 1996 with the film “Rumble in the Bronx,” followed by blockbuster hits “Shanghai Nights,” Rush Hour” and “Kung Fu Panda.” The agile martial artist also directed and produced 30 action films in his native city of Hong Kong.

The Governors Awards, which celebrates the achievements and contributions of iconic people in the entertainment industry, will be held on Nov. 12.  Gianna Francesca Catolico

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