Willem Dafoe will receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival “in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the art of film.”
He joins Stellan Skarsgård and Ray Winstone, who will also receive the honor at the fest this year.
“Having made over 150 films in his career, Willem Dafoe is internationally respected for bringing versatility, boldness, and dare to some of the most iconic films of our time,” Sarajevo organizers said. “His artistic curiosity in exploring the human condition leads him to projects all over the world, large and small, Hollywood films as well as independent cinema.”
At the Sarajevo festival, the star will also hold a masterclass where he will share “his experience and reflections on art today” with young talents, film professionals, and the festival audience.
“Willem Dafoe returns to the Sarajevo Film Festival after 25 years, and it is a great honor and pleasure for us to present him with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo,” said Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival. “His body of work is something to which every actor aspires. Every time he steps in front of the camera, he demonstrates that he is a true master of his craft. Whether starring in a Hollywood blockbuster or a low-budget independent film, his characters are always complex, emotional, and unforgettable.”
Sarajevo organizers on Monday mentioned some of the star’s career highlights. “In 1979, Dafoe was given a role in Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate, from which he was fired,” they noted. “Since then, he has collaborated with directors who represent a virtual encyclopedia of modern cinema: Wes Anderson, Patricia Arquette, Kathryn Bigelow, Kenneth Branagh, Tim Burton, Scott Cooper, Anton Corbijn, Saverio Costanzo, David Cronenberg, Abel Ferrara, Mary Harron, Werner Herzog, Walter Hill, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Hayao Miyazaki, Phillip Noyce, Sam Raimi, Dee Rees, Jason Reitman, Robert Rodriguez, Isaiah Saxon, Julian Schnabel, Paul Schrader, Martin Scorsese, Zack Snyder, Guillermo del Toro, Lars von Trier, James Wan, Wim Wenders, Yorgos Lanthimos, Zhang Yimou, and many more.”
Dafoe has been recognized with four Academy Award nominations and has received two Independent Spirit Awards, the Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup and a Berlinale Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement.
The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival will take place Aug. 15-22.
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