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LEE’S AND SCHAMUS’ LATEST FILM TOGETHER IS FOCUS FEATURES’ LUST,
CAUTION

LOS ANGELES — Director/producer Ang Lee and screenwriter/producer and Focus Features
CEO James Schamus will be presented with the very first ShoWest/NATO Freedom of
Expression award, it was announced today by Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the
event, which will be held March 10 -13, 2008 in Las Vegas. Lee and Schamus will be presented
with their award at the Opening Day Luncheon to be held on Tuesday, March 11th at Bally’s
and Paris Las Vegas. The focus of this year’s luncheon is going to be on the importance of
Specialty and Independent films and distribution companies in today’s marketplace.

“One year ago at ShoWest, I called upon cinematic artists to take the NC-17 rating seriously.
Ang Lee and James Schamus answered that call with Lust, Caution, demonstrating
uncompromising integrity in their filmmaking and, by accepting the NC-17 rating, that same
integrity in clearly labeling a film intended for adults as what it was,” noted John Fithian,
President & CEO, NATO. “The film and movie theater industries can further honor them by
following their example. NATO and our members congratulate Ang and James on a legacy of
integrity in filmmaking.”

“ShoWest is honored to be able to present Ang Lee and James Schamus with the
ShoWest/NATO Freedom of Expression award, not only for the great body of work that the two
have put together throughout their careers, but also for having the courage to release a film with
the NC-17 rating,” said Neuhauser. “NATO is a proponent of filmmakers who embrace their
conviction and dedication and see that a film is released in the way they would like the public to
see it. Lee and Schamus are at the forefront of doing just that.”

Currently in release worldwide through Focus Features, Lust, Caution is a startling erotic
espionage thriller about the fate of an ordinary woman’s heart. It is based on the short story by
revered Chinese author Eileen Chang, and stars Asian cinema icon Tony Leung opposite screen
newcomer Tang Wei. Lust, Caution world-premiered at the 2007 Venice International Film
Festival, where it won the Best Picture [Golden Lion] Award. It was nominated for 3
Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress; was nominated for 3 BAFTA
[Britain’s Oscars] Awards and a Golden Globe Award; and has won 8 Golden Horse [Taiwan’s
Oscars] Awards, including Best Film and Best Director.

Ang Lee and James Schamus have together made some of the most memorable films of recent
years, reaching a worldwide audience. Their films include the multi-Academy Award-winning
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain as well as The Hulk, Ride with the
Devil, The Ice Storm, Sense and Sensibility, Eat Drink Man Woman, The Wedding Banquet,
and Pushing Hands.

Born and raised in Taiwan, Lee moved to the U.S. in 1978 and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts
in theatre from the University of Illinois and a Master of Fine Arts in film production from New
York University. His first feature film, Pushing Hands, was screened at the 1992 Berlin
International Film Festival and was the start of what has turned out to be an outstanding career
behind the lens, including a Best Director Oscar win for Brokeback Mountain.

An integral contributor to the American independent film business for over a decade, Schamus
has the unique distinction of being an award-winning screenwriter and producer who is also a film
executive. Prior to the formation of Focus in 2002, Schamus was co-president of the independent
film production company Good Machine. During 11 years at the company, Schamus and his
partners there produced over 40 films, including The Brothers McMullen and Safe. Since then,
Focus has brought moviegoers such celebrated releases as The Pianist, Lost in Translation, The
Constant Gardener, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Motorcycle Diaries, Swimming
Pool, 21 Grams, Pride & Prejudice, and Atonement, to name just a few films.