Critics Choice Awards 2025: Jackie Chan Receives Standing Ovations After Rare Return to Hollywood

Jackie Chan had the crowd in a rush hour to their feet.

The Kung Fu Panda star made his first Hollywood appearance in over five years at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards Feb. 7 to present the prize for Best Foreign Language Film—and the crowd went wild.

After the ceremony’s host Chelsea Handler quipped that Chan is a “sexual icon,” he strode onto stage in an all-black Chinese Tang suit, with the audience wasting no time in giving the film legend a standing ovation.

After stars like Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh—who was nominated at the event for Best Acting Ensemble for Wicked—applauded him from their feet, the 70-year-old said with a bow, “Thank you, thank you. Wow, thank you.”

But he quickly got down to brass tacks, playfully telling the crowd, “Quiet. Let me remember my dialogue,” who erupted in laughter.

“Tonight, we're celebrating movies that remind us that we may be from all different parts of the world,” Chan continued, “different walks of life, but we all laugh and cry and eat too much popcorn the same way.” 

Following the announcement of nominees, he presented the award to Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard, who beat out All We Imagine as Light, Flow, I’m Still Here, Kneecap and The Seed of the Sacred Fig. (Click here to see the complete list of winners from the 2025 Critics Choice Awards.)

While Chan has appeared at several events in China in recent years, the stuntman last attended a Hollywood ceremony in October 2019 at the British Academy Britannia Awards—but he certainly hasn’t quit working. In fact, he recently reflected on his decades-long career while celebrating his 70th birthday. 

“Every time I hear this number, my heart would stop for a second - l’m 70 years old already?” he wrote in an April 2024 Instagram post. “After recovering from the shock, the second thing that would come to my mind is a saying that my big brother, Sammo Hung once said: ‘being able to grow old is a fortunate thing.’ Especially for us stunt people.”

He continued, “Over the years, I’ve always been willing to try new things for a movie, no matter if it’s a challenging stunt or a breakthrough appearance for a character. I’ve been in the entertainment business for 62 years and I cherish every moment because I’m lucky I’m still filming today.”

Read on to see more moments you may have missed from the 2025 Critics Choice Awards. 

Ariana Grande and her boyfriend Ethan Slater only had eyes for each other while enjoying a chat. 

Demi Moore and Natasha Lyonne got comfy behind the scenes of film and television's big night. 

Chelsea Handler took a break from her hosting gig to enjoy a refreshing drink and catch up with Rachel Brosnahan. 

Ariana and her Wicked costar Cynthia Erivo hugged it out. 

The Penguin costars Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti—who both won big at the event for their performances in the HBO show—shared a sweet embrace. 

Demi was all smiles while posing with movie legend Jackie Chan.

Margaret Qualley and her husband Jack Antonoff looked closer than ever while enjoying their glamorous date night. 

Found star Shanola Hampton showed off her bottle of Champagne. 

Kathy Bates wore a big grin while Skye P. Marshall planted a friendly kiss on her head. 

Jeff Goldblum, his wife Emilie Livingston and Liev Schreiber matched in all black.

Josh Greenbaum and Leighton Meester were the picture of glamour and talent. 

John M. Chu and Margaret certainly served in this photo-op. 

The Wicked director and Michelle Yeoh—who starred in the movie musical—reunited after he took home the win for Best Director. 

Adam Brody and Adrien Brody don't just share a last name. When the evening concluded, they also shared being 2025 Critics Choice Award winners. 

Jimmy O. Yang and Randall Park looked chic while snapping a pic inside the venue. 

Kathryn Hahn and David Harbour buddied up for a photo.