Critically acclaimed actor, director, and author Joan Chen will address the Class of 2026 at NYU Shanghai’s 10th undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremony on May 16.
“It is a profound pleasure and honor for me to join the 2026 commencement at NYU Shanghai,” Chen said. “Institutions like NYU’s international campuses offer a vital antidote to a world strained by tension, bias, and violence. They create rare spaces where people of different nationalities, cultures, and races come together – not only to learn, but to recognize a shared humanity. I only wish there were more places like them.”
Born and raised in Shanghai, Chen is widely recognized as one of the most influential Chinese actors and filmmakers of her generation. She made her screen debut at the age of 14 and rose to national fame with her iconic performance in the 1979 film Little Flower, which earned her a Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress.
“In the 80s, Joan Chen was a household name in China. Her return to her hometown of Shanghai to deliver the commencement address will offer NYU Shanghai students – who have come from around the world to study here – a deeper understanding of Shanghai, the world, and themselves.” Chancellor Tong Shijun said. He will present Chen the NYU Shanghai Medal of Honor at the ceremony.
Over the course of her career, Chen has starred in more than 90 films and tv shows. After moving to the United States in 1981, she gained international recognition for her role as Empress Wanrong in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film The Last Emperor in 1987, and appearing in David Lynch’s 1990s cult-classic television series Twin Peaks and Ang Lee’s award-winning romance drama Lust, Caution. She was crowned Best Actress at the Golden Horse Awards for her performances in Red Rose White Rose (1994) and The Home Song Stories (2007).
As a filmmaker, Chen furthered her commitment to storytelling, with her 1998 directorial debut winning multiple awards at the Golden Horse Awards. More recently, she has acted in critically acclaimed films such as Dìdi and Montreal, My Beautiful. In 2024, she published her memoir, Mao Yu.
Beyond her work on screen, Chen has played an important role in the international film community. She has served as a juror at major festivals including the Berlin International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival, and has held positions such as Jury President of the Golden Horse Awards and the FIRST International Film Festival. She is also among the earliest Chinese members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
“We are exceptionally fortunate that the internationally renowned actor Joan Chen has agreed to serve as our commencement speaker this year,” Vice Chancellor Jeffrey Lehman said. “I know that her personal reflections will leave an enduring impact on the Class of 2026.”