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Tribute to Joan Chen
The Sonoma International Film Festival will honor legendary actress Joan Chen with a Career Achievement Award at the festival’s closing night, celebrating her enduring impact on film and television.
Image from The Wedding Banquet, SIFF 2025 Closing Night Film.
Joan Chen, Career Achievement Award Honoree
The Sonoma International Film Festival will honor legendary actress Joan Chen with a Career Achievement Award at the festival’s closing night, celebrating her enduring impact on film and television. From her breakout role in Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor to her unforgettable performance as Josie Packard in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, Chen has captivated audiences with her versatility and depth. Recently, she earned critical acclaim for her role in Sean Wang’s Dìdi, earning a Best Supporting Performance nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Following the tribute, the festival will present the West Coast premiere of The Wedding Banquet, Andrew Ahn’s reimagining of Ang Lee’s beloved classic. With a cast that includes Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, and Kelly Marie Tran, this highly anticipated film is the perfect way to close the festival—honoring a trailblazing actress whose career continues to shine.
The Wedding Banquet
Closing Night Film
Sunday | 5:00 PM | Sebastiani
The guest list has changed, but the drama remains! This fresh, modern reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic follows a group of friends who need to get married for convenience—until family arrives, and the plan spirals into extravagant, chaotic mayhem. Starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Joan Chen and Youn Yuh-jung. (Dir. Andrew Ahn/USA/103min).