Remember Shu Qi in So Close? You Won’t Believe What She’s Doing Now

Shu Qi, the effortlessly chic Taiwanese actress, cemented her status as an action star in So Close (2002), where she high-kicked her way into our hearts alongside Zhao Wei and Karen Mok. But what happened after she sliced through bad guys in a white pantsuit?

Spoiler alert: She didn’t fade into the background. Instead, she built a decades-long career filled with international blockbusters, award-winning dramas, high-fashion ambassadorships, and a seat at the table with Hollywood’s elite. Let’s break down how Shu Qi kept serving, both on-screen and off.

From Hong Kong Action Queen to Hollywood It-Girl (2002–2006)

Immediately after So Close, Shu Qi doubled down on her action-star persona, landing the female lead in The Transporter (2002) opposite Jason Statham. While her English-language skills were still a work in progress (who cares, she looked flawless), she held her own in the high-octane flick and gained global recognition.

Instead of permanently pivoting to Hollywood, Shu Qi stayed true to her roots, diving into a mix of Chinese and pan-Asian films. She showcased her versatility in The Foliage (2004), a touching romantic drama, before taking on a more artistic turn in Hou Hsiao-hsien’s critically acclaimed Three Times (2005). That role, where she played three different women across three time periods, earned her the Best Actress award at the Golden Horse Awards, cementing her as more than just an action star.

Not content with just one lane, she also dabbled in Korean cinema, starring in My Wife Is a Gangster 3 (2006), and returned to Hong Kong thrillers with Confession of Pain (2006), sharing the screen with heavyweights Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Takeshi Kaneshiro. At this point, Shu Qi wasn’t just a movie star. She was a pan-Asian powerhouse.

Becoming an International Cinema Darling (2007–2015)

While many actresses hit a career plateau, Shu Qi decided to level up. In 2008, she was invited to serve as a jury member at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival and then joined the jury at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in 2009. Not only was she starring in some of Asia’s most talked-about films, but she was also judging the best in global cinema.

In 2015, she reunited with Hou Hsiao-hsien for The Assassin, a breathtaking wuxia film that became an instant classic. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won Best Director, and Shu Qi’s performance earned her yet another Best Actress award at the Asian Film Awards. The Assassin proved that even after more than a decade in the industry, she was still that girl.

Luxury Fashion’s Favorite Muse (2016–Present)

Hollywood actresses fight for designer campaigns, but Shu Qi? Luxury brands came knocking at her door. She became a global ambassador for Bulgari, Michael Kors, and Tom Ford Beauty because obviously, her face was made for high fashion.

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By 2024, the endorsements kept rolling in. Bottega Veneta made her their global brand ambassador, followed by Tom Ford Beauty in September and Estée Lauder in January 2025. At this point, Shu Qi wasn’t just an actress. She was a full-fledged fashion icon.

A Seat at the Hollywood Table (2024–Present)

If anyone doubted Shu Qi’s impact on global cinema, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences shut that down real quick. In June 2024, she was invited to join the Academy, recognizing her decades of contributions to film. While she hasn’t jumped fully into Hollywood filmmaking, this solidified her as a true international powerhouse.

Shu Qi: Still Slaying, No Notes Needed

Unlike many actresses who fade after their action-heroine phase, Shu Qi played the long game. She transitioned from kickass action star to award-winning actress, festival jury member, luxury brand darling, and Hollywood elite, all without trying too hard. Whether she’s starring in a period drama, judging Cannes, or posing in a Bulgari campaign, one thing is clear. Shu Qi is still that girl.

And honestly? We love that for her.