Jackie Chan steals the spotlight with a standing ovation at 2025 Critics Choice Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jackie Chan just reminded the world why he’s a legend as he made a rare public appearance at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on February 7.

The moment the 70-year-old martial arts icon stepped onto the stage the room erupted in applause, People magazine reported.

Audiences 'wow' Jackie Chan with a standing ovation

Jackie Chan, who presented the award for Best Foreign Language Film, was introduced by host Chelsea Handler, who playfully called him "a sexual icon."

The 'Rush Hour' star took it in his stride, stepping out to thunderous applause that quickly turned into a standing ovation.

"Thank you," he said, visibly moved, and added, "Thank you, wow!"

The cheers didn’t stop. As an eager fan shouted from the audience, Chan—ever the comedian—quipped, "Quiet, let me remember my dialogue."

With the crowd still buzzing, he continued, "Tonight, we're celebrating movies. They remind us that we may be from all different parts of the world, different walks of life, but we all laugh and cry and eat too much popcorn in the same way."

It was a fitting sentiment from a man whose films have transcended language and culture, uniting fans across generations.

When 'Emilia Perez' was announced as the winner, director Jacques Audiard took a moment to soak in the surreal moment.

"It's a magnificent day. I just received a prize from Jackie Chan. I feel like I've died and gone to Heaven," he declared.

Jackie Chan’s big-screen comeback with upcoming 'Karate Kid: Legends'

Jackie Chan’s appearance at the Critics Choice Awards is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a major year for him.

In November 2023, it was announced that he and Ralph Macchio, 62, would be reprising their iconic roles in an upcoming 'Karate Kid' movie, 'Karate Kid: Legends', set to hit theaters on May 30.

The action-packed trailer, which debuted on December 17, introduced a new generation of martial arts talent, including Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen.

The film follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Wang), who moves from Beijing to New York City after a family tragedy.

Struggling to adjust, he finds himself drawn into a karate competition, but his kung fu skills aren’t enough.

Enter Mr Han (Chan), who enlists none other than Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) to help. Together, they fuse their fighting styles for an ultimate martial arts showdown.

Chan isn’t just making waves in Hollywood—he’s still a global ambassador for martial arts and sports.

Reportedly, in August 2024, he was spotted at the Paralympic Games in Paris, carrying the event’s iconic flame through the historic streets.

Wearing a white tracksuit and his signature black eyeglasses, he greeted cheering fans with enthusiasm, proving that his energy and spirit remain as strong as ever.