Famous Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou received a distinguished award on Doctor of Humanize Letters during Sunday's 145th Commencement of the Boston University.
Boston University President Robert Brown was the one who presented the award to Zhang.
"It is my greatest honor to present Zhang Yimou for the Boston University honorary degree," said Brown in his introductory speech of Zhang. "Zhang Yimou's films offer not only a perspective on the people and culture of China but also a window into the universal qualities of human nature and yearning."
Aside from filmmaking, Zhang is also being praised for his different artworks which include theater, opera, and ballet. He was also the director of the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
"The opening and closing of the 2008 Beijing games left the world in awe at their unparalleled beauty and magnificence. Earlier this year, you dazzled once again with the Winter Olympics handover ceremony," Brown said to Zhang.
For his part, Zhang expressed his gratitude on the recognition given to him by the Boston University.
"I am honored. This is a recognition of my work and creation personally and, moreover, it demonstrates the big influence of films which can be seen as the visiting card of a country," Zhang said.
Around 7,000 graduating students with their parents and friends attended the said commencement at the Boston University.
Zhang is one of China's critically acclaimed filmmakers. He directed many box office movies which include House of Flying Daggers, The Great Wall and Raise the Red Lantern. Several of his films have won huge awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and the Venice Film Festival.
Zhang is currently filming a new movie "One Second" in Dunhuang City, China.
Zhang is also the screenplay writer for this film together with Zou Jingzhi (writer of "The Grandmaster" and "The Return"). The lead star of this film is Chinese actor Zhang Yi.
