Through Carlo ‘BIG CED’ Thornton
November 25, 2025
‘Last night I was honored to receive the prestigious Bruce Lee Award at the AWFF!’
Action star Michael Jai White made history when he accepted an award at the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), becoming the first non-Asian to receive an award.
The actor, who initially started out as a martial artist before becoming an actor, posted on his social media accounts about receiving the coveted award.
“Last night I was honored to receive the prestigious Bruce Lee Award at the AWFF! Shannon Lee, Bruce’s daughter and head of the Bruce Lee Foundation, is also a long-time friend and Wushu classmate of mine, which made me the first non-Asian to receive the award. Her father was and is the greatest and most inspiring martial artist to have walked the earth. This honor is the most sincere award I could ever receive! I don’t know who “Tony, Emmy or Oscar” were, but I damn sure know Bruce Lee! #brucelee #honor #award #martialarts #karate #ufc #mma #satisfying #kyokushin“
According to the North Dallas Gazette, the Bruce Lee Award was presented to White by the legendary martial artist’s daughter, Shannon Lee, who is also a close friend of the actor. Lee (November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) is considered by most to be the best and most popular martial artist in the world.
White currently stars in “Carl Weber’s The Family Business,” the sixth season of which premiered on BET+ in October. He plays Vegas Duncan, one of the sons of Ernie Hudson’s character, Lavernius “LC” Duncan, a crime boss who runs a legitimate car company with his sons. The series also stars Darrin Henson, Tami Roman, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., Sean Ringgold and Valarie Pettiford.
He also stars in the action comedy “Hostile Takeover,” now airing on STARZ, where he plays hit man Pete Strykyr.
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