Donnie Yen walks Cannes red carpet with 18-year-younger wife Cissy Wang

Hong Kong star Donnie Yen (L) and his wife Cissy Wang at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Photo from Yen's Instagram

The couple attended the premiere of the French film "Dossier 137" (Case 137), which is competing in the festival’s main selection this year.

Wang turned heads in a nude-toned, sequin-embellished gown that highlighted her graceful figure as she walked hand-in-hand with Yen.

In an interview on the sidelines of the festival, Yen expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Cannes.

Earlier the same day, the couple took part in the festival’s "China Night," an event spotlighting Chinese filmmakers. Speaking as a keynote guest, Yen discussed the enduring relevance of kung fu cinema.

Hong Kong star Donnie Yen (L) and his wife Cissy Wang at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Photo from Yen's Instagram

"People often think kung fu is outdated, but the genre and its action elements remain highly competitive. Every era has its own trends," he said.

According to The Standard, Yen went on to emphasize that kung fu is deeply rooted in Chinese cultural identity. He noted that even global franchises like "Star Wars" and the Marvel Cinematic Universe have drawn inspiration from martial arts.

He also cited "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "The Grandmaster" as examples of how martial arts films can be both artistically rich and globally influential.

With a career spanning over four decades, Yen, 62, is known for roles in "Hero," "Kill Zone – S.P.L.," the "Ip Man" franchise, "14 Blades," and "xXx: Return of Xander Cage." He has confirmed plans to film "Ip Man 5" and "Flash Point 2."

His wife Wang, 44, was crowned Miss Chinese Toronto in 2000 and remains active as a model in Hong Kong.

This year’s Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13 to 24.