The closing ceremony of the Red Sea International Film Festival featured several memorable moments and behind-the-scenes glimpses that dominated search trends across social media platforms.
Among these moments was the presentation of an award to global star Anthony Hopkins by Egyptian actress Yousra.
During the ceremony, Yousra presented a special tribute from the Red Sea Film Festival to Hopkins, who stated: “It’s wonderful to be among you, and it’s an honor for me. I just want to say thank you for what the festival offers and its role in supporting the industry… I love Saudi Arabia.”
Anthony Hopkins: A timeless legacy
Hopkins, the legendary Welsh actor, continues to maintain an impressive career decades after his iconic roles. While his legacy rests firmly on classics like The Silence of the Lambs, his recent work demonstrates his enduring power and adaptability.
Following his historic second Oscar win for The Father (2020), Hopkins has focused on nuanced and deeply human roles, including his compelling performance in the film The Son (2022) and his recent acclaimed portrayal of Nicholas Winton in One Life (2023).
These later-career achievements showcase his remarkable ability to capture vulnerability and complexity, cementing his status not just as a veteran, but as one of the most active and relevant dramatic actors working today.
Egyptian film ‘Cologne’ wins top audience prize
At the conclusion of its fifth edition in Jeddah, the Red Sea International Film Festival announced the winners of the Yusr Awards and the Audience Awards.
The Egyptian film “Cologne – My Father’s Scent”, directed by Mohamed Siam, led the results in the AlUla Film program, winning the Best Film Audience Award, marking a new success for Egyptian cinema within a major regional film forum. The award was a culmination of the great audience engagement the film achieved throughout its screenings.
The Egyptian film stars Ahmed Malek and Kamel al-Basha, and produced by Mohamed Hefzy, has also won five awards at the Venice International Film Festival.
In the Audience Awards, the Saudi film “Hajra”, directed by Shahad Ameen, also won the Best Saudi Film Audience Award, following widespread critical acclaim for its directorial performance and the film’s handling of its humanitarian theme.
