Tony Leung Chiu-wai receives the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 80th Venice Film Festival on Saturday. Director Ang Lee (left) presented him with the award. Photo: VCG

Leung has a reputation as a versatile actor who has starred in thrillers, romances and comedic roles. Photo: VCG

Leung got emotional as he accepted the award. Photo: VCG

Director Ang Lee (third from left) stands with the cast of “Lust, Caution,” which starred Leung along with Wang Lee Hom (far left) and Tang Wei. The 2007 film won the Golden Lion Award at the 64th Venice International Film Festival. Photo: VCG

Leung attends the premiere of the digitally restored version of “A City of Sadness” on Feb. 14. This film, directed by Hsiao-Hsien Hou and released in 1989, was the first film Leung appeared in that won the Golden Lion. Photo: IC Photo

Leung and his wife Carina Lau presented the award for Best Film at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards in April 2007. Photo: VCG

Leung poses with “Infernal Affairs III” cast members Andy Lau, Leon Lai Ming, Daoming Chen in 2003. Leung’s performance in the “Infernal Affairs” series secured him the Best Actor awards both at the 22th Hong Kong Film Awards and the 40th Golden Horse awards. Photo: VCG

Leung gained wide recognition for his work with director Wong Kar-wai and actress Maggie Cheung in the 2000 film “In the Mood for Love.” The film brought him the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. Photo: VCG