Zhang Yimou

As one of the outstanding representatives of China's fifth-generation film directors, Zhang Yimou, born in 1951, enjoys high reputation domestically and in the world film arena. Many of his movies, such as Raise the Red Lantern, Hero and Curse of the Golden Flower, have left deep impressions on audiences. At the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Zhang, serving as the chief director, and his team presented Chinese culture and civilization to the world by perfectly merging the most representative Chinese cultural symbols with mass performances.

On November 7, 2008, Zhang was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Boston University in the United States, in recognition of his efforts to popularize Chinese culture. This makes him the first filmmaker in China to win this honor.