John Woo receives hometown honors in Hong Kong, awarded Silver Bauhinia Star

John Woo receives hometown honors in Hong Kong

HONG KONG — John Woo has received one of the top official honors awarded by his hometown Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong government announced Thursday the veteran director has been bestowed the Silver Bauhinia Star in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong and Chinese cinema. The award is named after the semiautonomous territory’s official flower.

Woo made his name in Hong Kong with stylish action thrillers before moving onto Hollywood, where his credits include “Face/Off” and “Mission: Impossible II.” He returned to Chinese film in 2008 with the two-part historical epic “Red Cliff.”

Hong Kong announced its annual honors list Thursday to mark the 13th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule.