View source for Zhang Ziyi

{{Short description|Chinese actress and model (born 1979)}}
{{About|the Chinese actress|the Chinese zootechnician|Zhang Ziyi (zootechnician)}}
{{distinguish|Zhang Zhiyi|Zhang Ziyu}}
{{pp-sock|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Family name hatnote|[[Zhang (surname 章)|Zhang (章)]]|lang=Chinese}}{{Use American English|date = February 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Zhang Ziyi
| native_name        = {{nobold|章子怡}}
| image              = Zhang Ziyi-63357.jpg	
| caption            = Zhang at the [[81st Venice International Film Festival]] in 2024
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1979|2|9}}
| birth_place        = [[Beijing]], China
| party              = [[China Zhi Gong Party|Zhi Gong]]
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actress|model|dancer}}
| years_active       = 1995–present
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Wang Feng (singer)|Wang Feng]]|2015|2023|end=div}}
| children           = 2
| relatives          = Zhang Zinan (brother)
| citizenship        = [[Chinese nationality law|Chinese]]
| alma_mater         = [[Central Academy of Drama]]
| module2            = {{Infobox model
| child     = yes
| agency    = Gersh
| height    = 5 ft 5 in
| haircolor = Black
| eyecolor  = Brown
| module    = {{Infobox Chinese
|child      = yes
|pic        = Zhang Ziyi (Chinese characters).svg
|piccap     = "Zhang Ziyi" in Chinese characters
|picupright = 0.45
|c          = 章子怡
|p          = Zhāng Zǐyí
|w          = Chang<sup>1</sup> Tzŭ<sup>3</sup>-i<sup>2</sup>
|mi         = {{IPAc-cmn|zh|ang|1|-|zi|3|.|yi|2}}
|j          = Zoeng<sup>1</sup> Zi<sup>2</sup>-ji<sup>4</sup>
|y          = Jēung Jí-yìh
|ci         = {{IPAc-yue|z|oeng|1|-|z|i|2|.|j|i|4}}
|poj        = Chiong Chú-î
}}}}
}}
'''Zhang Ziyi''' ({{IPAc-cmn|zh|ang|1|-|zi|3|.|yi|2}}; {{zh|c=章子怡|link=no}}; born 9 February 1979), sometimes credited '''Ziyi Zhang''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zhang Ziyi News & Biography - Empire |url=https://www.empireonline.com/people/zhang-ziyi/ |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=www.empireonline.com |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207233131/https://www.empireonline.com/people/zhang-ziyi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is a Chinese actress, known for playing independent and strong-willed characters.<ref>https://borrowers-ojs-azsu.tdl.org/borrowers/article/download/171/340/701</ref> Born and raised in [[Beijing]], Zhang was admitted to the [[Central Academy of Drama]] in 1996. That year, she made her acting debut in the television film ''[[Touching Starlight]]'' (1996). After her breakout role in [[Zhang Yimou]]'s ''[[The Road Home (1999 film)|The Road Home]]'' (1999), which won her Best Actress at the 2000 [[Hundred Flowers Awards]], she gained international fame for her performance in [[Ang Lee]]'s [[wuxia]] film ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]'' (2000).

Zhang made her [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] debut as a villain in ''[[Rush Hour 2]]'' (2001), followed by ''[[Memoirs of a Geisha (film)|Memoirs of a Geisha]]'' (2005). She reunited with Zhang Yimou in the films ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]'' (2002) and ''[[House of Flying Daggers]]'' (2004). She collaborated with [[Wong Kar-wai]] on ''[[2046 (film)|2046]]'' (2004), which won her the Best Actress at the 2005 [[Hong Kong Film Awards]], and on ''[[The Grandmaster (film)|The Grandmaster]]'' (2013), for which she received 12 Best Actress awards, making her the most awarded Chinese actress for a single film.<ref>{{cite web |date=14 October 2014 |title=章子怡：第12座奖杯，是一个轮回，更是新的开始 |url=http://news.ifeng.com/a/20141014/42195510_0.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316211511/http://news.ifeng.com/a/20141014/42195510_0.shtml |archive-date=16 March 2017 |access-date=16 March 2017 |work=ifeng |language=zh}}</ref>
 
Zhang is regarded as one of the [[Four Dan actresses]] of China.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-20 |title=6 of the best martial arts actresses: Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi among them |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3267221/6-best-female-martial-arts-stars-michelle-yeoh-zhang-ziyi-and-lady-kung-fu |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131051035/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3267221/6-best-female-martial-arts-stars-michelle-yeoh-zhang-ziyi-and-lady-kung-fu |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 18, 2000 |title=综述：谁是中国影视界新"四大名旦"？(附图) |url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/c_star/2000-07-18/10951.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327092208/https://ent.sina.com.cn/c_star/2000-07-18/10951.shtml |archive-date=27 March 2024 |accessdate=27 March 2024 |language=Chinese}}</ref> From 2004 to 2010, she ranked in the Top 5 of [[Forbes China Celebrity 100|''Forbes'' China Celebrity 100]] list every year. In 2008, she was awarded with the Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Cinema award at the 11th [[Shanghai International Film Festival]]. One of the most recognisable Asian actresses in the world, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' called her "China's gift to Hollywood" in 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2006-01-25 |title=The memorable Ziyi Zhang |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4616412.stm |access-date=2025-04-10 |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4616412.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The same year, ''Time'' named her one of the [[Time 100|100 Most Influential People]].<ref name="content.time.com">{{cite magazine | url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1972656_1972696_1973332,00.html | title=The 2005 TIME 100 - TIME | magazine=Time | date=18 April 2005 | last1=Corliss | first1=Richard | access-date=12 November 2024 | archive-date=12 November 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112153152/https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1972656_1972696_1973332,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, she received the French Cultural Order of the [[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]].

==Early life==
Zhang Ziyi was born in Beijing to Zhang Yuanxiao, an accountant and later economist, and Li Zhousheng, a kindergarten teacher.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-08/04/content_466306_3.htm |title=In the mood for oriental siren Zhang Ziyi |work=[[China Daily]] |access-date=16 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814000803/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-08/04/content_466306_3.htm |archive-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=time/> She has an older brother, Zhang Zinan, who was her manager at the beginning of her career. Zhang began her nine-year study of folk dance when she was 8; at 11, she joined the Affiliated Secondary School of Beijing Dance Academy at her parents' suggestion.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Zhang Ziyi CSC: News: Hao Rizi Interview |url=http://csc.ziyi.org/news/haorizi-article-t.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827000502/http://csc.ziyi.org/news/haorizi-article-t.html |archive-date=2013-08-27 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=csc.ziyi.org}}</ref> While at this boarding school, she noticed how mean the other girls were to each other while competing for status amongst the teachers. Zhang disliked the attitudes of her peers and teachers so much that, on one occasion, she ran away from the school.<ref name=time>[http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/2000/1211/zhang.ziyi.html "She Makes Magic"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907020707/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/2000/1211/zhang.ziyi.html |date=7 September 2008 }} ''[[Time (magazine)|Time Asia]]'' 11 December 2000. Retrieved 13 February 2009.</ref> In 1994, she won the performance award in the National Taoli Cup Dance Competition. She also appeared in a handful of TV commercials.<ref>[https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800424122/bio "Ziyi Zhang Biography – Yahoo! Movies"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027002048/http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800424122/bio |date=27 October 2010 }}. ''[[Yahoo!]]''. 11 May 2010.</ref> In 1996, Zhang entered the [[Central Academy of Drama]], majoring in acting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/cul/2009-07-10/100018194568.shtml|title=章子怡：中国形象的代言人|date=10 July 2009|website=Sina|language=zh|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070755/http://news.sina.com.cn/c/cul/2009-07-10/100018194568.shtml|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zhang-Ziyi#:~:text=Zhang%20Ziyi%20(born%20February%209,propelled%20her%20to%20international%20fame {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228063234/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zhang-Ziyi#:~:text=Zhang%20Ziyi%20(born%20February%209,propelled%20her%20to%20international%20fame |date=28 February 2023 }}.</ref>

==Career==

===1996–2000: Early career===
In her freshman year, Zhang made her acting debut in the television film ''[[Touching Starlight]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ent.sina.cn/zl/2015-02-10/zl-iawzunex9985695.d.html?vt=1|title=章子怡16岁处女电影剧照清纯|date=10 February 2015|website=Sina|language=zh|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024823/https://ent.sina.cn/zl/2015-02-10/zl-iawzunex9985695.d.html?vt=1|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998, Zhang was offered her first major role by director [[Zhang Yimou]] in his film ''[[The Road Home (1999 film)|The Road Home]]'', which would win the Silver Bear prize at the 2000 [[Berlin International Film Festival]].<ref>[http://www1.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/18/content_71563_3.htm "Award for The Road Home"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209143614/http://www1.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/18/content_71563_3.htm |date=9 December 2012 }} retrieved 30 April 2013</ref> Zhang plays a country girl in love with the town's young teacher. She won the Best Actress Award at the 2000 [[Hundred Flowers Awards]] for her performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/the-road-home-2-1200460513/|title=The Road Home|date=20 February 2000|website=Variety|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024813/https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/the-road-home-2-1200460513/|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2000–06: Wuxia epics and international breakthrough===
Zhang rose to international fame in 2000 with her role as Yu Jiaolong in [[Ang Lee]]'s re-visioned [[wuxia]] martial arts film ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,90548-1,00.html|title=Year Of The Tiger|date=3 December 2000|magazine=Time|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728142729/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,90548-1,00.html|archive-date=28 July 2018|url-status=live|last1=Corliss|first1=Richard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-09/05/content_475103.htm|title=Zhang Ziyi shed buckets of tears for Hollywood fame|date=5 September 2005|website=China Daily|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024746/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-09/05/content_475103.htm|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>  Zhang plays a young [[Manchu people|Manchu]] noblewoman who has secretly learned martial arts and runs off to become a wandering swordswoman rather than commit to an arranged marriage. This role won her the Most Promising Actress award at the [[Chicago Film Critics Association|Chicago Film Critics Association Awards]] and Best Supporting Actress awards from the [[Independent Spirit Awards]], as well as [[Toronto Film Critics Association|Toronto Film Critics Association Awards]].<ref name="chicago">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagofilmcritics.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=58|title=Chicago Film Critics Awards – 1998–2007|work=Chicago Film Critics Association|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515203059/http://www.chicagofilmcritics.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=58|archive-date=15 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spirit">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=107779&page=1|title=Tiger Takes 3 Spirit Awards|work=ABC News|access-date=16 March 2017|date=6 January 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054817/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=107779&page=1|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="toronto">{{cite web|url=http://torontofilmcritics.com/past-award-winners/|title=PAST AWARD WINNERS|work=Toronto Film Critics Association|date=29 May 2014|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715181549/http://torontofilmcritics.com/past-award-winners/|archive-date=15 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The movie's success in the [[United States|US]] and [[Europe]] helped her break into Hollywood.<ref name=hollywood>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/article/503373/zhang-ziyi-chinas-gift-hollywood|title=Zhang Ziyi China's gift to Hollywood|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|date=6 June 2005|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204819/http://www.scmp.com/article/503373/zhang-ziyi-chinas-gift-hollywood|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Zhang then appeared in her first American film, ''[[Rush Hour 2]]'' (2001) opposite [[Jackie Chan]] and [[Chris Tucker]]. On playing her first villain role, Zhang expressed that "the opportunity to sort of try and analyze the psyche of the character and get to know and pull out emotions I’ve never had to utilize before...was very exciting."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywood.com/general/rush-hour-2-zhang-ziyi-interview-57162601/|title="Rush Hour 2": Zhang Ziyi Interview|work=Hollywood.com|access-date=16 March 2017|date=2 August 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054327/http://www.hollywood.com/general/rush-hour-2-zhang-ziyi-interview-57162601/|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:ZhangZiyi Amfar.jpg|thumb|Zhang in 2011 at the [[AmfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research|amfAR]] 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration]]
In 2002, Zhang co-starred in ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]'' alongside [[Jet Li]], [[Maggie Cheung]] and [[Tony Leung Chiu-Wai|Tony Leung]], directed by her early mentor [[Zhang Yimou]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://china.org.cn/english/culture/49076.htm|title=Star-studded Hero on Its Way|date=18 November 2002|website=China Daily|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508233648/http://china.org.cn/english/culture/49076.htm|archive-date=8 May 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was a huge success in the English-speaking world and was nominated for an [[Academy Awards|Oscar]] and a [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe]] award in the category of [[List of common film awards categories#Best Foreign Language Film| Best Foreign Language Film]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Golden Globe nominees, winners|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/19/gg.nominees/index.html?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=19 January 2003|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063116/http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/19/gg.nominees/index.html?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Hero' shows Zhang Yimou at his best|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/08/22/hero-shows-zhang-yimou-at-his-best/|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=22 August 2004|first=Loren|last=King|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002512/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-08-22/news/0408210377_1_ju-dou-zhang-yimou-chinese-scholar|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> She then signed on to film an [[avant-garde]] drama film ''[[Purple Butterfly]]'' (2003),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/culture/70524.htm|title=Zhang Ziyi: I Enjoy the Shooting of Purple Butterfly|date=22 July 2003|website=China Radio International|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325161455/http://www.china.org.cn/english/culture/70524.htm|archive-date=25 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> which competed in the 2003 [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/3eb96ec9-61cd-46b5-93ce-584aefd254df.html |title=Purple Butterfly |work=Festival de Cannes |access-date=16 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054245/http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/3eb96ec9-61cd-46b5-93ce-584aefd254df.html |archive-date=17 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Zhang went back to the wuxia martial arts genre in ''[[House of Flying Daggers]]'' (2004), again by Zhang Yimou, where she starred along [[Takeshi Kaneshiro]] and [[Andy Lau]]. She plays the blind dancing girl Mei, who despite the lack of eyesight, is a skilled fighter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/dec/24/2|title=House of Flying Daggers|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=24 December 2004|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316210257/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/dec/24/2|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In preparation for the part, Zhang spent two months living with an actual blind girl.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.international.ucla.edu/institute/article/15432|title=Cross-Cultural Perspectives: China's House of Flying Daggers|publisher=ULCA International Institute|date=1 October 2003|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205829/http://web.international.ucla.edu/institute/article/15432|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Her performance earned her a Best Actress nomination at the [[British Academy Film Awards|BAFTA Awards]].<ref name=guardian>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jan/18/film.world|title=Vera Drake picks up 11 Bafta nominations|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=18 January 2005|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205954/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jan/18/film.world|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> She also featured on the ''House of Flying Daggers'' soundtrack with her own musical rendition of the ancient Chinese poem ''Jia Rén Qu'' (佳人曲, ''The Beauty Song'').<ref>{{cite book|title='Put the Blame on…Mei': Zhang Ziyi and the Politics of Global Stardom|journal=The Femme Fatale: Images, Histories, Contexts|pages=113–126|doi=10.1057/9780230282018_9|year = 2010|last1 = Kourelou|first1 = Olga|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK |location=London |isbn=978-1-349-30144-7}}</ref>

Zhang next starred in [[Wong Kar-wai]]'s romantic drama film ''[[2046 (film)|2046]]'' (2004), which featured many top Chinese actors and actresses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screendaily.com/zhang-ziyi-to-star-in-wong-kar-wais-2046/405374.article|title=Zhang Ziyi to star in Wong Kar-Wai's 2046|work=[[Screen International]]|date=23 March 2001|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205213/http://www.screendaily.com/zhang-ziyi-to-star-in-wong-kar-wais-2046/405374.article|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics praise Zhang for her "expressive" body language that was combined with her "reserved and complex emotions" in performance as a struggling prostitute.<ref name=awards>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/19/content_410361.htm|title=Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi win HK film critics' awards|work=[[China Daily]]|date=27 March 2005|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119180637/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/19/content_410361.htm|archive-date=19 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Zhang won Best Actress awards at the [[Hong Kong]] Film Critics' Award and [[Hong Kong Film Awards|Hong Kong Film Academy Award]].<ref name=critics>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-03/27/content_428758.htm|title=Hong Kong Film Awards|work=[[China Daily]]|date=19 January 2005|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054211/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-03/27/content_428758.htm|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=awards />

In 2005, Zhang featured in the critically acclaimed film ''[[Jasmine Women]]'', adapted from [[Su Tong]]'s novel titled ''Women's Lives''. She won Best Actress at the [[Golden Rooster Awards]] for her performance.<ref name=jasmine>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-04/20/content_572150.htm|title=Zhang Ziyi's 'Jasmine Women' finally blossoms|work=[[China Daily]]|date=20 April 2004|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205029/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-04/20/content_572150.htm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Next came ''[[Princess Raccoon]]'' (2005), directed by [[Japan]]'s [[Seijun Suzuki]], which premiered at the [[Cannes Film Festival]]. For her role, Zhang took two weeks of singing and dancing lessons in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zhang Stars in Japanese Film "Operetta"|url=http://english.cri.cn/349/2006/03/16/60@62767.htm|work=[[China Radio International]]|date=16 March 2006|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205950/http://english.cri.cn/349/2006/03/16/60@62767.htm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Zhang played the lead role of Sayuri in the American [[Memoirs of a Geisha (film)|film adaptation]] based on the international bestseller'' [[Memoirs of a Geisha]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/3648434/Memoirs-of-a-very-controversial-geisha.html|title=Memoirs of a very controversial geisha|work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|date=2 December 2005|last1=Gritten|first1=David|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510215157/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/3648434/Memoirs-of-a-very-controversial-geisha.html|archive-date=10 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Controversy arose in China about having a Chinese woman portray a prominent Japanese [[geisha]] in a film set during the height of [[Second Sino-Japanese War|Japanese imperialist aggression against China in World War II]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4672840.stm|title=China ban for Memoirs of a Geisha|work=BBC News|date=2 February 2006|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205115/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4672840.stm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Nonetheless, the film was a box office hit in the West. For the role, Zhang was nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama|Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama]], the [[BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role]], and the [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role]].<ref name=globe>{{cite web|title=Zhang Ziyi nominated for Golden Globe best actress|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-12/14/content_503336.htm|work=[[China Daily]]|date=14 December 2005|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205520/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-12/14/content_503336.htm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bafta>{{cite web|title=The memorable Ziyi Zhang|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4616412.stm|work=BBC News|date=25 January 2006|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4616412.stm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=screen>{{cite web|title=Zhang Ziyi Nominated for Screen Actors Guild Award|url=http://english.cri.cn/349/2006/01/07/44@41768.htm|work=[[China Radio International]]|date=7 January 2006|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204419/http://english.cri.cn/349/2006/01/07/44@41768.htm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 27 June 2005, Zhang accepted an invitation to join the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] (AMPAS), placing her among the ranks of those who are able to vote on the [[Academy Awards]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071218192506/http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2005/05.06.24.html "Academy Invites 112 to Membership"] ''[[Academy Awards|Oscars]]''. 24 June 2005. Retrieved 13 February 2009.</ref> In May 2006, Zhang was a jury member of ''Feature Films'' at the [[2006 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|title=THE Juries 2006|url=http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/archives/2006/allJury.html|publisher=Festival De Cannes|access-date=28 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111848/http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/archives/2006/allJury.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Zhang returned to China in 2006 for the Chinese wuxia film ''[[The Banquet (2006 film)|The Banquet]]'', directed by [[Feng Xiaogang]]. The film is a loose adaptation of William Shakespeare's ''[[Hamlet]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2006-08/24/content_673187.htm|title=Zhang Ziyi stars in 'The Banquet'|work=[[China Daily]]|date=24 August 2006|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205627/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2006-08/24/content_673187.htm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screendaily.com/zhang-ziyi-boards-fengs-15m-banquet/4023784.article|title=Zhang Ziyi boards Feng's $15m Banquet|work=[[Screen International]]|date=18 July 2005|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205210/http://www.screendaily.com/zhang-ziyi-boards-fengs-15m-banquet/4023784.article|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the July 2006 issue of ''[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]]'' magazine, Zhang spoke of her Hollywood career:

{{cquote|After ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]'' I got a lot of offers, but I turned them down because they were all victim roles—poor girls sold to America to be a wife or whatever. I know I have the ability to go deeper, to take on more original roles than that. That's why I really appreciated ''[[Memoirs of a Geisha (film)|Geisha]]'', because it allowed us to show the world what kind of actors we are and what kind of characters we can play—not just action, kick-ass parts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/04/chris-martin-works-magic-with-ziyi-zhang/|title=Chris Martin Works Magic with Ziyi Zhang|date=9 April 2014|work=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]]|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143018/https://thediplomat.com/2014/04/chris-martin-works-magic-with-ziyi-zhang/|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

===2007–12: Hollywood and China===
In 2007, Zhang performed the voice of [[Karai (character)|Karai]] in the American animated film ''[[TMNT (film)|TMNT]]'' (2007).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/turtles-live-again-cgi-spinoff-132424|title='Turtles' live again in CGI spinoff 'TMNT'|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=20 March 2007|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205117/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/turtles-live-again-cgi-spinoff-132424|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, Zhang starred alongside [[Liu Ye (actor)|Liu Ye]] and [[Ge You]] in the first-ever opening short for the Chinese academy awards ([[Golden Rooster Awards]]) where director [[Dayyan Eng]] got top stars to spoof the action-movie genre in a humorous send-up on national TV in China.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yu |first=Sen-lun |date=2007-10-17 |title=Zhang to star in Golden Rooster Awards short film|url=https://www.screendaily.com/zhang-to-star-in-golden-rooster-awards-short-film/4035291.article|access-date=2 April 2021|website=Screen |archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512085421/https://www.screendaily.com/zhang-to-star-in-golden-rooster-awards-short-film/4035291.article|url-status=live}}</ref>

In ''[[Forever Enthralled]]'' (2008), which tells the story of legendary [[Peking opera]] actor [[Mei Lanfang]], Zhang appears in the second act as 
Mei's lover [[Meng Xiaodong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2008-12/03/content_16895102.htm|title=Mei Lanfang: A treat of an art house blockbuster|date=3 December 2008|website=China Daily|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625045044/http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2008-12/03/content_16895102.htm|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' praised her performance as "confident and passion", giving the romance a sparkle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/enthralled-film-review-77648|title=Forever Enthralled – Film Review|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=14 January 2009|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204928/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/enthralled-film-review-77648|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Her next American film was ''[[Horsemen (film)|Horsemen]]'' (2009), where she starred opposite [[Dennis Quaid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/thesp-pair-giddy-up-for-horsemen-1117953038/|title=Thesp pair giddy-up for 'Horsemen'|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=31 October 2006|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040959/http://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/thesp-pair-giddy-up-for-horsemen-1117953038/|archive-date=14 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/zhang-ziyi-dennis-quaid-to-star-in-crime-thriller.aspx?pageID=438&n=zhang-ziyi-dennis-quaid-to-star-in-crime-thriller-2006-11-08|title=Zhang Ziyi, Dennis Quaid to star in crime thriller|work=[[Hürriyet Daily News]]|date=11 August 2006|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205434/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/zhang-ziyi-dennis-quaid-to-star-in-crime-thriller.aspx?pageID=438&n=zhang-ziyi-dennis-quaid-to-star-in-crime-thriller-2006-11-08|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Back in China, she played the titular character in romantic comedy ''[[Sophie's Revenge]]'' (2009); a comic book artist seeking to punish her unfaithful boyfriend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/08/18/1722s509708.htm|title=Would You Like to See Zhang Ziyi in a Comedy?|work=[[China Radio International]]|date=18 August 2009|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205837/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/08/18/1722s509708.htm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> She then starred alongside [[Aaron Kwok]] in the AIDS-themed film ''[[Love for Life]]'' (2011).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?aids-themed_film_starring_zhang_ziyi_and_aaron_kwok_will_open_on_may_10_16477.aspx | archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110402024152/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/(A(MMZ9V3EnzAEkAAAAMWJhY2FiYWUtZDYxZC00MDc5LTkxMGQtYWVjNmEyMWY1MDRjEH-HnYzXyDb0ov1eLWbv4yI3T2s1)S(dezyfg451juxkhzpkg54ya55))/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=16477 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2 April 2011 | title = AIDS-themed film starring Zhang Ziyi and Aaron Kwok will open on May&nbsp;10 | work = Asia Pacific Arts | date = 3 July 2011 }}</ref>

In 2012, Zhang starred next to [[Cecilia Cheung]] and [[Jang Dong-gun]] in the Chinese-Korean co-production ''[[Dangerous Liaisons (2012 film)|Dangerous Liaisons]]'', an adaptation of the French novel ''[[Les Liaisons dangereuses]]'', narrating Shanghai of the 1930s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2012/02/178_95335.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111033803/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2012/02/178_95335.html|url-status=live|archive-date=11 November 2012|title=Jang Dong-gun to co-star with Zhang Ziyi, Cecilia Cheung|work=[[The Korea Times]]|date=23 September 2011}}</ref> Zhang was reportedly paid 20 million RMB (approximately $3.5&nbsp;million) for the role.<ref>{{cite web|title=Paying up for star power|url=https://www.weekinchina.com/2011/10/paying-up-for-star-power/|work=Week in China|date=7 October 2011|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205554/https://www.weekinchina.com/2011/10/paying-up-for-star-power/|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, she was cast in the coming-of-age film ''[[Forever Young (2018 film)|Forever Young]]'' directed and written by Li Fangfang. The film premiered in January 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201712/14/WS5a31d1eca3108bc8c6732d04.html|title=Sharing secrets of success|date=14 December 2017|work=China Daily|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220140936/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201712/14/WS5a31d1eca3108bc8c6732d04.html|archive-date=20 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Zhang Ziyi (Berlin Film Festival 2013).jpg|thumb|Zhang and [[Tony Leung Chiu Wai|Tony Leung]] at the premiere of ''The Grandmaster'' at the 2013 Berlin International Film Festival]]

===2013–17===
In 2013, Zhang received the [[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]] as a Chevalier for her significant contributions to the film industry.<ref name=french>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zhang-ziyi-honored-order-arts-578723|title=Zhang Ziyi Honored With Order of Arts and Letters Chevalier|date=2 February 2013|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205302/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zhang-ziyi-honored-order-arts-578723|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Zhang reunited with [[Wong Kar-wai]] and [[Tony Leung Chiu-wai|Tony Leung]] for ''[[The Grandmaster (film)|The Grandmaster]]'' (2013), which also marks her return to the martial arts genre after 7 years since ''The Banquet'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2013/02/berlinale-2013-wong-kar-wai-tony-leung-and-zhang-ziyi-on-their-grandmaster-41302/|title=Berlinale 2013: Wong Kar Wai, Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi On Their 'Grandmaster'|date=7 February 2013|website=Indiewire|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070715/https://www.indiewire.com/2013/02/berlinale-2013-wong-kar-wai-tony-leung-and-zhang-ziyi-on-their-grandmaster-41302/|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was China's submission to the [[Academy Awards]] for Best Foreign-Language Picture. Critics praise Zhang's portrayal of Gong'Er as the "best performance she's ever delivered in the history of her career."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/celebrity/2014-04/28/content_17469926.htm|title=Zhang Ziyi wins ten film awards for 'The Grandmaster'|date=28 April 2014|work=[[China Daily]]|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205032/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/celebrity/2014-04/28/content_17469926.htm|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> which led to her winning several "Best Actress" trophies across Asia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11399741/Crouching-Tiger-actress-Zhang-Ziyi-says-yes-to-drone-marriage-proposal.html|title=Crouching Tiger actress Zhang Ziyi says 'yes' to drone marriage proposal|work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|date=9 February 2013|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204061152/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11399741/Crouching-Tiger-actress-Zhang-Ziyi-says-yes-to-drone-marriage-proposal.html|archive-date=4 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, she reprised her role as Sophie in ''[[My Lucky Star (2013 film)|My Lucky Star]]'', a sequel to ''[[Sophie's Revenge]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/lsquomy-lucky-starrsquo-zhang-ziyi-shines-in-frothy-rom-com/|title='My Lucky Star': Zhang Ziyi shines in frothy rom-com|date=19 September 2013|newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316210735/http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/lsquomy-lucky-starrsquo-zhang-ziyi-shines-in-frothy-rom-com/|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Described as Zhang's "breakthrough comedy role", the film topped Chinese box office on the week of its release.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zhang Ziyi Tops China Box Office With Romantic Spy Movie 'My Lucky Star'|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zhang-ziyi-tops-china-box-633283|date=20 September 2013|newspaper=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205045/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zhang-ziyi-tops-china-box-633283|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, Zhang starred in [[John Woo]]'s romantic epic ''[[The Crossing (2014 film)|The Crossing]]'', based on the true story of the Taiping steamer collision and follows six characters and their intertwining love stories in Taiwan and Shanghai during the 1930s. Zhang plays a poor illiterate woman waiting for her soldier lover in 1930's Shanghai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Ziyi Cast in New John Woo Film|url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/06/takeshi-kaneshiro-zhang-ziyi-cast-in-new-john-woo-film/|date=18 June 2013|newspaper=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]]|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120150245/https://thediplomat.com/2013/06/takeshi-kaneshiro-zhang-ziyi-cast-in-new-john-woo-film/|archive-date=20 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Zhang produced her third film ''[[Oh My God (2015 film)|Oh My God]]'', which stars [[Zhang Yixing]] and [[Li Xiaolu]]. She made a [[cameo appearance]] in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asianmoviepulse.com/2015/04/baby-universe-films-zhang-ziyi-exos-lay/|title="The Baby from Universe" Films with Zhang Ziyi and EXO's Lay|author=Mary Ann Simuangco|work=Asian Movie Pulse|access-date=10 January 2016|date=16 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105211146/http://asianmoviepulse.com/2015/04/baby-universe-films-zhang-ziyi-exos-lay/|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Zhang next starred in romance [[anthology film]] ''[[Run for Love (film)|Run for Love]]''<ref>{{cite web|author1=<!--staff byline; no author given--> |url=http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/74553/20160113/run-love-screened-february-14th.htm|title='Run for Love', Starring Zhang Ziyi to be Screened on Feb. 14th|work=China Topix|date=13 January 2016|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054434/http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/74553/20160113/run-love-screened-february-14th.htm|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and crime epic ''[[The Wasted Times]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2016-12/14/content_39913873.htm|title=Zhang Ziyi, Ge You reunite in 'Wasted Times'|work=China.org.cn|date=14 December 2016|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504085721/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2016-12/14/content_39913873.htm|archive-date=4 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2018–present: Hollywood epics, directorial debut and small-screen debut===
In 2016, Zhang was cast in [[J. J. Abrams]]'s science fiction thriller ''[[The Cloverfield Paradox]]'', which premiered in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/zhang-ziyi-joins-jj-abrams-897736|title=Zhang Ziyi Joins J.J. Abrams' Sci-Fi Thriller 'God Particle'|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=26 May 2016|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205334/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/zhang-ziyi-joins-jj-abrams-897736|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, Zhang was cast in the monster film ''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)|Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]'', playing a prominent character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/zhang-ziyi-joins-kyle-chandler-godzilla-king-monsters-1011754|title=Zhang Ziyi Joins Kyle Chandler in 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters'|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=8 June 2017|access-date=17 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609045044/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/zhang-ziyi-joins-kyle-chandler-godzilla-king-monsters-1011754|archive-date=9 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, Zhang was cast in her first television series, ''[[Monarch Industry|Rebel Princess]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.163.com/18/0228/09/DBNLM13S000387GI.html|title=章子怡首部电视剧《帝凰业》开机 男主角竟是周一围|date=8 February 2018|website=Netease|language=zh|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108184333/http://ent.163.com/18/0228/09/DBNLM13S000387GI.html|archive-date=8 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, Zhang starred in the adventure drama film ''[[The Climbers (2019 film)|The Climbers]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2019-02-17/doc-ihqfskcp5858276.shtml|title=章子怡宣布新戏《攀登者》开拍 吴京井柏然等参演|date=17 February 2019|website=Sina|language=zh|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818100645/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2019-02-17/doc-ihqfskcp5858276.shtml|archive-date=18 August 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2021, Zhang made her directorial debut with a short titled "Shi" (Poem), one of the four stand-alone short tales of the film ''[[My Country, My Parents]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Rebecca |date=2021-09-10 |title='Crouching Tiger' Star Zhang Ziyi to Make Directorial Debut With Patriotic Chinese Blockbuster |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/zhang-ziyi-crouching-tiger-directing-chinese-patriotic-movie-1235061500/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205020719/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/zhang-ziyi-crouching-tiger-directing-chinese-patriotic-movie-1235061500/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She won the best new director award at the 2022 Media Honors for the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=顾馨 |title=Actress Zhang Ziyi wins a directorial honor for the first time |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202209/09/WS631ad8aaa310fd2b29e76e76.html |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.chinadaily.com.cn |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205020730/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202209/09/WS631ad8aaa310fd2b29e76e76.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Ambassadorship and representation==
*Spokesperson for "Care for Children"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.sina.com/p/1/2007/1211/136321.html|title=Zhang Ziyi promotes care for children|work=[[Sina Corp|Sina]]|date=11 December 2007|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215191553/http://english.sina.com/p/1/2007/1211/136321.html|archive-date=15 December 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> 
*Global Ambassador for China's [[Special Olympics]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2011-06/26/content_12779479.htm|title=13 Special Olympics unveiled in Athens|date=26 June 2011|website=China Daily|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070713/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2011-06/26/content_12779479.htm|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Image Ambassador for first [[Beijing International Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/90001/98649/7321640.html|title=Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi to represent Beijing film fest|work=[[People's Daily]]|access-date=16 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143041/http://en.people.cn/90001/98649/7321640.html|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 
*Ambassador for the ScreenSingapore 2011 film festival<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110529130239/http://www.whatsonningbo.com/ent431.html Actress Zhang Ziyi named ambassador for ScreenSingapore 2011]}}, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110701174225/http://whatsonningbo.com/ ''What's on Ningbo'']}}, 26 May 2011</ref>
*Friendship Ambassador for the Chinese Film Days in Romania<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-09/12/content_18589580.htm|title=Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi open Chinese Film Days in Romania|date=12 September 2014|website=China Daily|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024820/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-09/12/content_18589580.htm|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Image Ambassador for the [[Macau International Movie Festival|Macao Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/macao-festival-opens-door-for-cultural-exchanges-1201937116/|title=IFFAM: Macao Festival Opens Door for Cultural Exchange|date=8 December 2016|website=Variety|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024825/https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/macao-festival-opens-door-for-cultural-exchanges-1201937116/|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Global Ambassador for the Children of China Pediatrics Foundation (CCPF)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.qq.com/a/20170204/019573.htm|title=章子怡出任爱心大使，为孤儿实现"不可能完成的梦"|date=4 February 2017|website=Tencent|language=zh|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070813/http://ent.qq.com/a/20170204/019573.htm|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Ambassador for [[Clé de Peau Beauté]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wetherille |first=Kelly |date=2018-09-05 |title=Zhang Ziyi Named Global Brand Ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté |url=https://wwd.com/feature/ziyi-zhang-named-global-brand-ambassador-cle-de-peau-beaute-1202784333/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref>
*Global Ambassador for [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/ch-en/news/our-maison/ambassador-zhang-ziyi|title=Zhang Ziyi: New Global Ambassador &#124; Jaeger-LeCoultre Luxury Watches|access-date=18 July 2025|archive-date=15 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815050757/https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/ch-en/news/our-maison/ambassador-zhang-ziyi|url-status=live}}</ref> since July 2025
*Global Ambassador for Tiffany in 2025 

===Endorsements===
Zhang was the first Chinese woman to be appointed as an [[Armani|Emporio Armani]] ambassador, which she served from 2009 to 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://china.org.cn/arts/2010-03/08/content_19559515.htm|title=Emporio Armani drops Zhang Ziyi endorsement?|date=8 March 2010|website=China Radio International|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719094118/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2010-03/08/content_19559515.htm|archive-date=19 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> She also served as regional ambassadors for [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Garnier]], Precious Platinum;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/06/24/1261s496073.htm|title=Zhang Ziyi Interprets 'Precious Woman'|date=24 June 2009|website=China Radio International|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070659/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/06/24/1261s496073.htm|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and global ambassadors for [[Maybelline]], [[Visa Inc.|Visa]], [[TAG Heuer]], [[Omega SA]] and [[Clé de Peau Beauté]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/crouching-tiger-star-powers-visa-card-tvc/185072|title=Crouching Tiger star powers Visa Card TVC|date=14 December 2001|website=Campaign Asia|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070703/https://www.campaignasia.com/article/crouching-tiger-star-powers-visa-card-tvc/185072|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2001/07/14/93791/face-face-zhang-ziyi|title=Face to face with Zhang Ziyi|date=14 July 2001|website=Phil Star|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028202514/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2001/07/14/93791/face-face-zhang-ziyi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://luxurylaunches.com/watches/omegas_newest_brand_ambassador_zhang_ziyi_unveils_the_constellation_2009_collection.php|title=Omega's newest brand ambassador Zhang Ziyi unveils the Constellation 2009 Collection|date=1 September 2009|website=Luxury Launches|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070814/http://luxurylaunches.com/watches/omegas_newest_brand_ambassador_zhang_ziyi_unveils_the_constellation_2009_collection.php|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zhang-ziyi-joins-cle-de-peau-beaute-as-its-global-brand-ambassador-300706004.html|title=Zhang Ziyi Joins Clé De Peau Beauté as Its Global Brand Ambassador|date=3 September 2018|website=PR Newswire|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024746/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zhang-ziyi-joins-cle-de-peau-beaute-as-its-global-brand-ambassador-300706004.html|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Zhang was featured on the "BoF 500" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/people/zhang-ziyi|title=Zhang Ziyi|website=Business Off Fashion|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024811/https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/people/zhang-ziyi|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2019, she became the global ambassador for [[Chopard]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2019/06/01/zhang-ziyi-named-chopard-global-ambassador.html|title=Zhang Ziyi named Chopard global ambassador|website=THE JAKARTA POST|date=24 May 2019 |access-date=25 January 2021|archive-date=1 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201214632/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2019/06/01/zhang-ziyi-named-chopard-global-ambassador.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2025, she was appointed global ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre and TIffany. 

==Public image and influence==
Zhang is regarded as one of the [[Four Dan actresses]] of China, alongside [[Zhao Wei]], [[Zhou Xun]], and [[Xu Jinglei]].<ref name="scmp.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3267221/6-best-female-martial-arts-stars-michelle-yeoh-zhang-ziyi-and-lady-kung-fu | title=6 of the best martial arts actresses: Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi among them | date=20 June 2024 | access-date=31 January 2025 | archive-date=31 January 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131051035/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3267221/6-best-female-martial-arts-stars-michelle-yeoh-zhang-ziyi-and-lady-kung-fu | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="综述：谁是中国影视界新四大名旦？附图">{{cite web | url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/c_star/2000-07-18/10951.shtml | title=综述：谁是中国影视界新"四大名旦"？(附图) | language=Chinese|date=July 18, 2000 | accessdate=27 March 2024|archive-date=27 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327092208/https://ent.sina.com.cn/c_star/2000-07-18/10951.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the most recognisable Asian actresses in the Western world, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' called her "China's gift to Hollywood" in 2005.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4616412.stm | title=The memorable Ziyi Zhang | date=25 January 2006 | access-date=1 November 2024 | archive-date=11 November 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111151702/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4616412.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> The same year, ''Time'' named her one of the [[Time 100|100 Most Influential People]].<ref name="content.time.com"/> In 2021, Douglas Parkes of ''[[South China Morning Post]]'' (SCMP) described Zhang as "surely the most important Chinese actress of her generation".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3121024/chinese-actress-zhang-ziyis-5-best-performances-crouching | title=What are Zhang Ziyi's 5 best film performances? | date=9 February 2021 }}</ref>

Having starred in some of the most celebrated [[martial arts films]] of all time, Zhang is widely considered one of the greatest martial arts stars in the history of cinema.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.slashfilm.com/818895/zhang-ziyi-had-some-unique-training-for-her-house-of-flying-daggers-role/ | title=Zhang Ziyi Had Some Unique Training for Her House of Flying Daggers Role | date=April 2022 | access-date=5 January 2025 | archive-date=5 January 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105182514/https://www.slashfilm.com/818895/zhang-ziyi-had-some-unique-training-for-her-house-of-flying-daggers-role/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.starsinsider.com/movies/542613/the-silver-screens-greatest-martial-arts-stars | title=The silver screen's greatest martial arts stars | work=Stars Insider | date=26 August 2024 | access-date=24 January 2025 | archive-date=14 January 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114135005/https://www.starsinsider.com/movies/542613/the-silver-screens-greatest-martial-arts-stars | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Zhang obtained Hong Kong residency in 2007 through the [[Quality Migrant Admission Scheme]] for her contribution to the local film industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/24/content_6780896.htm |title=Report: Zhang Ziyi now Hong Kong resident |work=[[Xinhua News Agency]] |date=24 September 2007 |access-date=16 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224182919/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/24/content_6780896.htm |archive-date=24 December 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She is an admirer and collector of the works of the Chinese [[Contemporary art|contemporary artist]] [[Shen Jingdong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hk.asiatatler.com/culture-lifestyle/arts/shen-jing-dong-colours-the-sar|title=Shen Jing-dong Colours the SAR|work=Hong Kong Tatler|date=17 September 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218152818/http://hk.asiatatler.com/culture-lifestyle/arts/shen-jing-dong-colours-the-sar|archive-date=18 December 2013}}</ref> She is a member of the Chinese Communist Party-controlled [[China Zhi Gong Party]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.womenofchina.cn/womenofchina/html1/news/china/14/7343-1.htm|title=Celebrities Attend 14th National Congress of China Zhigong Party – All China Women's Federation|website=Women of China|date=4 December 2012|access-date=2 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165509/http://www.womenofchina.cn/womenofchina/html1/news/china/14/7343-1.htm|archive-date=13 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

From 2004 to 2006, Zhang was in a relationship with Eric Fok Kai Shan, an heir of [[Henry Fok|the Fok family]] in Hong Kong. Following this, Zhang entered into a relationship with Israeli American venture capitalist [[Aviv Nevo|Aviv "Vivi" Nevo]] in 2007, which led to an engagement; however, the couple parted ways in 2010. From late 2011 to 2013, Zhang was in a relationship with Chinese host [[Benny Sa|Sa Beining]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=揭秘章子怡四段恋情：与撒贝宁闪恋闪分(组图)-中新网 |url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/yl/2013/11-18/5513327.shtml |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=www.chinanews.com.cn |archive-date=25 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125063542/https://www.chinanews.com.cn/yl/2013/11-18/5513327.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

Zhang began dating Chinese rock musician [[Wang Feng (singer)|Wang Feng]] from mid-2013 and married him in May 2015, despite strong opposition from her elder brother Zhang Zinan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/zhang-ziyi-and-wang-feng-got-married-in-hong-kong-on-may-10-reports|title=Zhang Ziyi and Wang Feng got married in Hong Kong on May 10|date=19 November 2015|work=[[The Straits Times]]|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317055136/http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/zhang-ziyi-and-wang-feng-got-married-in-hong-kong-on-may-10-reports|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> They have two children: a daughter (born December 2015)<ref name="cbs">{{cite news|title=Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi gives birth to baby girl|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-actress-zhang-ziyi-gives-birth-to-baby-girl/|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CBS News|date=28 December 2015|access-date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231022714/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-actress-zhang-ziyi-gives-birth-to-baby-girl/|archive-date=31 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and a son (born January 2020), both born in the United States.<ref>Rui, Zhang (3 January 2020). [http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2020-01/03/content_75575853.htm "Zhang Ziyi gives birth to second child on New Year's Day"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103103515/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2020-01/03/content_75575853.htm |date=3 January 2020 }}. ''China.org.cn.'' Retrieved 12 September 2020.</ref><ref>Tan, Kendra (4 January 2020). [https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sceneandheard/entertainment/zhang-ziyi-gives-birth-baby-boy "Zhang Ziyi Gives Birth To A Baby Boy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025013055/https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sceneandheard/entertainment/zhang-ziyi-gives-birth-baby-boy |date=25 October 2021 }} ''Today Online.'' Retrieved 12 September 2020.</ref> On 23 October 2023, Zhang and Wang announced their divorce on [[Weibo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=汪峰、章子怡官宣离婚，网友：52岁的汪峰离第几次了？-现代快报网 |url=https://www.xdkb.net/p1/nj/j9crf/440657.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=www.xdkb.net |archive-date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813232136/https://www.xdkb.net/p1/nj/j9crf/440657.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to [[Zhuo Wei]], Zhang's marriage broke down after her brother discovered Wang’s affair.<ref>{{Cite web |title=狗仔爆章子怡离婚涉小三 传哥哥章子男撞破汪峰好事 |url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/entertainment/story20240904-4618651 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=www.zaobao.com.sg |language=zh-Hans}}</ref>

== Controversy ==
{{BLP sources section|date=May 2025}}
{{Criticism section|date=June 2025}}

=== Ink Gate ===
In December 2009, an [[Omega SA|Omega]] ad featuring Zhang near her home at the Park Hyatt residence in Beijing was splashed with black ink. In January 2010, Zhao Xinyu, a socialite and daughter-in-law of [[Ye Jianying]], contacted the tabloid magazine ''Total Entertainment'' and claimed the ink-splashing had stemmed from Zhang's affair with real estate tycoon Yu Guoxiang. Zhang sued ''Total Entertainment'' for defamation the day after the magazine report and Vivi issued a statement supporting Zhang.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zhang Ziyi sues newspaper, Vivi Nevo issues statement - China.org.cn |url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2010-01/16/content_19249710.htm |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.china.org.cn |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526234208/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2010-01/16/content_19249710.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In July, the owner of the magazine settled the case with Zhang and issued an apology. In August, the magazine was shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |title=揭秘章子怡"泼墨门"的《完全娱乐》停刊 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/zgjx/2010-08/26/c_13464077.htm |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.xinhuanet.com |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530070651/http://www.xinhuanet.com/zgjx/2010-08/26/c_13464077.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Donation Gate ===
In mid-January 2010, an online post reported that Zhang failed to honor her pledge to donate one million yuan ($146,000) to relief charities in the aftermath of the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake|May 2008 Sichuan earthquake]], as she donated 840,000 yuan, or 160,000 yuan less than promised. Netizens also noted that the funds she raised in Cannes for the earthquake were unaccounted for, leading to allegations of donation fraud. Zhang denied the accusations of charity fraud, but admitted to inexperience when she organized the donation drive. Her agent, Ji Lingling, claimed responsibility for the mistake and donated another 160,000 yuan to earthquake victims, bringing Zhang's total contribution up to one million yuan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Canaves |first=Sky |title=Unhappy Birthday: CCTV Questions Zhang Ziyi's Quake Donations - WSJ |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-CJB-7139 |access-date=2024-06-01 |work=WSJ |language=en-US |archive-date=1 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601111008/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-CJB-7139 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Jeffreys |first=Elaine M. |date=2011-09-01 |title=Zhang Ziyi and China's Celebrity–Philanthropy Scandals |url=https://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/journals/index.php/portal/article/view/1627 |journal=PORTAL: Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies |language=en |volume=8 |issue=1 |issn=1449-2490 |archive-date=17 August 2025 |access-date=24 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250817054449/https://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/journals/index.php/portal/article/view/1627 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Seduction Gate ===
In February 2010, [[Chow Yun-fat]] said at an event in Taipei that he was "seduced" during the filming of ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]'', leading to media speculation that he was referring to Zhang, one of the three actresses Chow acted opposite in the film. Her agent, Ji Lingling, dismissed the speculation as "ridiculous".<ref>{{Cite web |title=章子怡曾诱惑发哥？ 经纪人："完全没有此事"-搜狐娱乐 |url=https://yule.sohu.com/20100206/n270100901.shtml |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=yule.sohu.com |archive-date=1 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601111012/https://yule.sohu.com/20100206/n270100901.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

The series of three scandals above, each named in Chinese after [[Watergate scandal|Watergate]], was collectively known as Zhang's "Triple Gates", marking the nadir of her reputation and career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=回看"三重门"绝望要上吊 章子怡："最爱"救我一命——中新网 |url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/yl/2011/04-29/3008106.shtml |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=www.chinanews.com.cn |archive-date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813232135/https://www.chinanews.com.cn/yl/2011/04-29/3008106.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Defamation cases ===
In 2012, an American website [[Boxun]] falsely reported that Zhang was paid $100&nbsp;million to sleep with top Chinese officials. Zhang sued Boxun in a US court for [[defamation]]. In December 2013, Boxun settled the case after agreeing to pay an undisclosed amount to Zhang and issue a front-page apology.<ref name="defamation2">{{cite news |date=18 December 2013 |title=China's Zhang Ziyi wins sex claims case against Boxun |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-25426869 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027063109/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-25426869 |archive-date=27 October 2018 |access-date=21 June 2018 |newspaper=BBC News}}</ref> Zhang also sued [[Next Media]] in Hong Kong and Taiwan over the similar reports by the group's two titles, ''[[Apple Daily]]'' and ''[[Next Digital|Next Magazine]],'' both citing Boxun. She won the case in Hong Kong<ref name="defamation2" /> but lost in Taiwan<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-09 |title=High Court rejects appeal in Zhang defamation case - Taipei Times |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/02/09/2003664652 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.taipeitimes.com |archive-date=27 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127063442/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/02/09/2003664652 |url-status=live }}</ref>.

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|-
! Year !! English title !! Role !! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes !! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1996 
| ''[[Touching Starlight]]'' || Chen Wei || ||
|-
! scope="row" | 1999 
| ''[[The Road Home (1999 film)|The Road Home]]'' || Zhao Di || ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2000 
| ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]'' || Jen Yu || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=3|2001 
| ''[[Rush Hour 2]]'' || Hu Li || Hollywood debut ||
|-
| ''[[The Legend of Zu]]'' || Joy || [[Guest appearance|Special appearance]] || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2001/film/reviews/the-legend-of-zu-1200553397/|title=The Legend of Zu|date=12 October 2001|website=Variety|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070700/https://variety.com/2001/film/reviews/the-legend-of-zu-1200553397/|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Musa (film)|Musa]]'' || Princess Bu-yong || || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=1894991|title=[MOVIE REVIEW]Chan Swings Back Into Action|date=19 September 2001|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070817/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=1894991|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2002 
| ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]'' || Moon || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|2003 
| ''[[Purple Butterfly]]'' || Cynthia || ||
|-
| ''[[My Wife is a Gangster 2]]'' || Gangster boss || [[Cameo appearance|Cameo]] || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/my-wife-is-a-gangster-2-the-legend-returns-1200538448/|title=My Wife is a Gangster 2: The Legend Returns|date=22 October 2003|website=Variety|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024827/https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/my-wife-is-a-gangster-2-the-legend-returns-1200538448/|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=3|2004 
| ''[[House of Flying Daggers]]'' || Mei || ||
|-
| ''[[2046 (film)|2046]]'' || Bai Ling || ||
|-
| ''[[Jasmine Women]]'' || Mo / Li / Hua || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|2005 
| ''[[Princess Raccoon]]'' || Princess Tanuki || ||
|-
| ''[[Memoirs of a Geisha (film)|Memoirs of a Geisha]]'' || Chiyo Sakamoto / Sayuri Nitta || ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2006 
| ''[[The Banquet (2006 film)|The Banquet]]'' || Wan || ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2007 
| ''[[TMNT (film)|TMNT]]'' || [[Karai (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Karai]] || Voice ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2008 
| ''[[Forever Enthralled]]'' || Meng Xiaodong || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=3|2009 
| ''[[Horsemen (film)|Horsemen]]'' || Kristen || ||
|-
| ''[[Sophie's Revenge]]'' || Sophie || ||
|-
| ''[[The Founding of a Republic]]'' || [[Gong Peng]] || Cameo || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/the-founding-of-a-republic-1200476870/|title=The Founding of a Republic|date=12 October 2009|website=Variety|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024833/https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/the-founding-of-a-republic-1200476870/|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2011 
| ''[[Love for Life]]'' || Qinqin || ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2012 
| ''[[Dangerous Liaisons (2012 film)|Dangerous Liaisons]]'' || Du Fenyu || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=3|2013 
| ''[[The Grandmaster (film)|The Grandmaster]]'' || Gong Er || ||
|-
| ''[[Better and Better (film)|Better and Better]]'' || Herself || Cameo || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2013-01-24/13513843832.shtml|title=章子怡莫文蔚助阵《越来越好之村晚》|date=24 January 2013|website=Sina|language=zh|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024819/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2013-01-24/13513843832.shtml|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[My Lucky Star (2013 film)|My Lucky Star]]'' || Sophie || ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2014 
| ''[[The Crossing (2014 film)|The Crossing Part 1]]'' || rowspan="2" | Yu Zhen || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=3|2015 
| ''[[The Crossing (2014 film)|The Crossing Part 2]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Where's the Dragon?]]'' || Phoenix || Voice || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/wheres-the-dragon-set-for-u-s-release-1201907575/|title=Chinese Cartoon 'Where's the Dragon?' Set for U.S. Release Via Crimson Forest|date=3 November 2016|website=Variety|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024829/https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/wheres-the-dragon-set-for-u-s-release-1201907575/|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Oh My God (2015 film)|Oh My God]]'' || Auntie || Cameo ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|2016 
| ''[[Run for Love (film)|Run for Love]]'' || Su Leqi || Segment: "So Long, My Love" ||
|-
| ''[[The Wasted Times]]'' || Xiao Liu || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|2018 
| ''[[Forever Young (2018 film)|Forever Young]]'' || Wang Minjia || ||
|-
| ''[[The Cloverfield Paradox]]'' || Tam || ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|2019 
| ''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)|Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]'' || Dr. Ilene Chen / Dr. Ling Chen || ||
|-
| ''[[The Climbers (2019 film)|The Climbers]]'' || Xu Ying || ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2021 
| ''[[My Country, My Parents]]'' || Mother || Segment: "Poem" ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2022 
| ''[[Avatar: The Way of Water]]'' || Ronal || Voice; Mandarin dub || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-way-of-water-zhang-ziyi-chinese-dub/|title=Avatar: The Way of Water Adds Actor Zhang Ziyi to Its Chinese Voice Cast|date=13 December 2022|website=CBR|access-date=18 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217023919/https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-way-of-water-zhang-ziyi-chinese-dub/|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2023 
| ''[[The Volunteers: To the War]]'' || Tang Sheng || || 
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2024 
| ''[[She's Got No Name]]'' || Zhan Zhou || Also producer || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/zhang-ziyi-lei-jiayin-jackson-yee-peter-chan-film-she-has-no-name-1235934775/|title=Zhang Ziyi, Lei Jiayin and Jackson Yee Star in Peter Chan's 'She Has No Name' (EXCLUSIVE)|date=March 11, 2024|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=March 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313110752/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/zhang-ziyi-lei-jiayin-jackson-yee-peter-chan-film-she-has-no-name-1235934775/|archive-date=March 13, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2025 
| ''[[Avatar: Fire and Ash]]'' || Ronal || Voice; Mandarin dub || style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/2025-12/09/content_118218916.shtml/|title=Spectacular 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' premieres in China|date=9 December 2025|website=China.org.cn|access-date=9 December 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|}

===Television series===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! Year !! English title !! Role
|-
!scope="row"| 2021 
| ''[[The Rebel Princess]]'' || Wang Xuan
|-
|}

===Reality shows===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! Year !! English title !! Original title !! Role
|-
! scope="row" | 2009
|''Zhang Ziyi's Oman'' ||跟著章子怡去旅遊: 阿曼 ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://natgeotv.com/hk/zhang-ziyis-oman/about|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160407155002/http://natgeotv.com/hk/zhang-ziyis-oman/about|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 April 2016|title=跟著章子怡去旅遊: 阿曼 ZHANG ZIYI'S OMAN|website=National Geographic Channel}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2013
|''The X Factor: Zhongguo Zui Qiang Yin''||中国最强音 || Judge<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2013-03-26/01173885265.shtml|title=《中国最强音》首期录制 章子怡获赞|date=26 March 2013|website=Sina|language=zh|access-date=24 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124203632/http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2013-03-26/01173885265.shtml|archive-date=24 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 
|-
! scope="row" | 2017 
| ''Birth of an Actor'' || 演员的诞生||Mentor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1001127/reality-tv-show-sends-chinese-stars-back-to-acting-school|title=Reality TV Show Sends Chinese Stars Back to Acting School|date=7 November 2017|website=Sixth Tone|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024802/http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1001127/reality-tv-show-sends-chinese-stars-back-to-acting-school|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2018
|''I Am an Actor''||我就是演员|| Mentor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.chinadaily.com.cn/2018-09/05/content_36869304.htm|title=《我就是演员》定档9月8日！章子怡、徐峥、吴秀波化身"炼金师"倾力淬炼|date=5 September 2018|website=China Daily|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910224712/http://ent.chinadaily.com.cn/2018-09/05/content_36869304.htm|archive-date=10 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2019
|''Viva La Romance''||妻子的浪漫旅行||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/peel-rockingham/mega-popular-chinese-reality-tv-show-viva-la-romance-has-a-date-in-rockingham-ng-b881081188z|title=Mega-popular Chinese reality TV show Viva La Romance has a date in Rockingham|date=22 January 2019|website=The West Australian|access-date=23 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122200555/https://thewest.com.au/news/peel-rockingham/mega-popular-chinese-reality-tv-show-viva-la-romance-has-a-date-in-rockingham-ng-b881081188z|archive-date=22 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2020
|''I Am an Actor 3''||我就是演员3|| Mentor
|}

===Music video appearances===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! Year !! Song title !! Artist
|-
! scope="row" | 1996 
| "Cherish (珍惜)" || Xie Xiaodong
|-
! scope="row" | 1996 
| "Women Afraid of the Dark (怕黑的女人)" || Tian Zhen
|-
! scope="row" | 2008 
| "You Understand My Love (你懂我的爱)" || Leon Lai & Zhang Ziyi
|-
! scope="row" | 2013 
| "Fly Freely (自由飞翔)" || Yin Xishui & Zhang Ziyi
|-
! scope="row" | 2013 
| "Love a Little (爱一点)" || Wang Leehom & Zhang Ziyi
|-
! scope="row" | 2014 
| "[[Magic (Coldplay song)|Magic]]" || [[Coldplay]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/coldplay-new-video-magic-stars-zhang-ziyi-article-1.1748702|title=Coldplay releases new music video 'Magic' starring actress Zhang Ziyi|date=7 April 2014|website=New York Daily News|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070800/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/coldplay-new-video-magic-stars-zhang-ziyi-article-1.1748702|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2015
| "Nowhere to Belong (无处安放)"|| [[Wang Feng (singer)|Wang Feng]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/yneidi/2015-08-21/doc-ifxhcvsf1018456.shtml|title=章子怡出演汪峰新歌MV 淡妆出镜预告|date=21 August 2015|website=Sina|language=zh|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070649/http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/yneidi/2015-08-21/doc-ifxhcvsf1018456.shtml|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

==Discography==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! Year !! English title !! Original title !!Notes
|-
! scope="row" | 2004
|"The Beauty Song"||佳人曲||Soundtrack of ''[[House of Flying Daggers]]''
|-
! scope="row" | 2008 
| ||天女散花 ||
|-
! scope="row" | 2008
|"You Understand My Love"||你懂我的爱 ||Soundtrack of ''[[Forever Enthralled]]''<br />with [[Leon Lai]]
|-
! scope="row" | 2011
|"Always Here"||一直都在||Soundtrack of ''[[Love for Life]]''<br />with [[Aaron Kwok]]
|-
! scope="row" | 2013 
| "Love a Little"||爱一点||Soundtrack of ''[[My Lucky Star (2013 film)|My Lucky Star]]''<br />with [[Wang Leehom]]
|-
! scope="row" | 2013 
|"Dreams Grow Up" ||梦想长大了||
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Zhang Ziyi}}

===Other honors===
In 2005, Zhang was listed in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''{{'}}s World's 100 Most Influential People. They called her "China's Gift to Hollywood".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1047515,00.html|title=Ziyi Zhang: China's Gift to Hollywood|date=10 April 2005|magazine=Time|access-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221001536/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1047515,00.html|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live|last1=Corliss|first1=Richard}}</ref>

In 2008, she was awarded with the "Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Cinema" at the 11th [[Shanghai International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2008-06-15/11462061074.shtml|title=Zhang Ziyi received "Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Cinema"|work=[[Sina Corp|Sina]]|access-date=22 May 2013|language=zh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216082320/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2008-06-15/11462061074.shtml|archive-date=16 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2010, she was named "Actress of the Decade" by CineAsia. She previously won "Star of Tomorrow prize" back in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zhang-ziyi-named-actress-decade-56985|title=Zhang Ziyi Named Actress of the Decade|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=12 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211114325/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zhang-ziyi-named-actress-decade-56985|archive-date=11 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, Zhang received the Order of Arts and Letter as a Dame at the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres Awards.<ref name=french />

===''Forbes'' China Celebrity 100===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Rank
!class="unsortable"|Ref.
|-
|2004
|2nd
|
|- 
|2005
|2nd
|
|- 
|2006
|3rd
|
|- 
|2007
|4th
|
|- 
|2008
|5th
|
|- 
|2009
|2nd
|
|- 
|2010
|5th
|
|- 
|2011
|7th
|
|- 
|2012
|14th
|
|- 
| 2013
| 5th
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jaynestars.com/news/2013-forbes-china-celebrity-100-list-fan-bingbing-is-top-earner/|title=2013 Forbes China Celebrity 100 List: Fan Bingbing in Top Spot|date=24 April 2013|website=JayneStars|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-date=7 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707000148/https://www.jaynestars.com/news/2013-forbes-china-celebrity-100-list-fan-bingbing-is-top-earner/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2014
|5th
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2014/05/06/2014-forbes-china-celebrity-list-full-list/|title=2014 Forbes China Celebrity List (Full List)|date=6 May 2014|website=Forbes|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-date=10 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510070427/https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2014/05/06/2014-forbes-china-celebrity-list-full-list/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|21st
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2015/05/13/2015-forbes-china-celebrity-list-full-list/|title=2015 Forbes China Celebrity List (Full List)|date=13 May 2015|website=Forbes|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-date=2 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602025348/http://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2015/05/13/2015-forbes-china-celebrity-list-full-list/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- 
|2019
|54th
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2019-08-20/doc-ihytcitn0545378.shtml|title=福布斯中国发布100名人榜 吴京黄渤胡歌位列前三|publisher=Sina Corp|date=20 August 2019|language=zh|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820131456/https://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2019-08-20/doc-ihytcitn0545378.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|78th
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbeschina.com/life/50975|title=福布斯中国发布2020名人榜，00后少年易烊千玺荣登榜首|date=27 August 2020|website=Forbes China|language=zh|access-date=27 August 2020|archive-date=17 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017195628/http://www.forbeschina.com/life/50975|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commonscat}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb name}}

{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Zhang Ziyi
|list =
{{Asian Film Award for Best Actress}}
{{Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Actress}}
{{Changchun Film Festival Best Actress}}
{{China Film Director's Guild Awards for Best Actress}}
{{Chinese Film Media Awards Best Actress}}
{{GoldenHorseAwardBestActress 2001-2020}}
{{Golden Lotus Award for Best Actress}}
{{Golden Rooster Award Best Actress}}
{{Best Actress HKFA}}
{{Best Actress HKFCSA}}
{{Huabiao Award Outstanding Actress}}
{{Hundred Flowers Award Best Actress}}
{{IndependentSpiritBestSupportingFemale 2000-2020}}
{{MTV Movie Award for Best Fight}}
{{Shanghai Film Critics Award for Best Actress}}
{{TFCA Award for Best Supporting Actress}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zhang, Ziyi}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century Chinese actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century Chinese actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses from Beijing]]
[[Category:Best Actress Asian Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Central Academy of Drama alumni]]
[[Category:Chinese female dancers]]
[[Category:Chinese dancers]]
[[Category:Chinese female models]]
[[Category:Chinese film actresses]]
[[Category:Chinese stage actresses]]
[[Category:Chinese television actresses]]
[[Category:Chinese voice actresses]]
[[Category:Best Supporting Female Independent Spirit Award winners]]
[[Category:People with acquired residency of Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Asia Pacific Screen Award winners]]
[[Category:Chevaliers of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]]