The Denver Post's Lisa Kennedy interviewing Ang Lee

DENVER - Ang Lee was awarded the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award on the closing night of the 28th Starz International Film Festival.

The Oscar-nominated director was presented the award by Mayor John Hickenlooper Saturday night at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. During the course of his career, Lee has directed movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Sense and Sensablility.” His movies have garnered a total of 20 Oscar nominations.

Lee joked saying that independent movies helped lead him to direct “Hulk.” In turn, “Hulk” led him back to doing independent movies.

Mayor John Hickenlooper presenting Ang Lee with the Mayor's Lifetime Achievement Award

His latest feature, “Brokeback Mountain,” premiered before the packed audience prior to the award presentation. Gentle snuffling could be heard throughout the crowd during its showing. This story of a forbidden love between two cowboys, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, has garnered early Oscar buzz within the industry.

After the movie, Lisa Kennedy of The Denver Post interviewed Lee on stage. The majority of the audience stayed and listened as he talked about subjects ranging from the process of directing his film to his thoughts on “Memoirs of a Geisha.”

The night ended with the “Last Reel” party held on the club level of the Pepsi Center.

“Brokeback Mountain” opens in New York and Los Angeles on Dec. 9 and will expand to more markets in the following weeks.

Joe Nguyen is a staff writer for asiaXpress.com. You can reach Joe at joe@asiaxpress.com.