Willem Dafoe Honored at Sarajevo Film Festival with Masterclass

Renowned actor Willem Dafoe will receive an honorary award at the Sarajevo Film Festival, where he is also set to lead a masterclass discussing his extensive career and insights into contemporary filmmaking. The festival director, Jovan Marjanovic, praised Dafoe’s impressive body of work, stating, “Every time he steps in front of the camera, he demonstrates that he is a true master of his craft.”

Throughout his career, Dafoe has collaborated with numerous acclaimed filmmakers, including Wes Anderson, Kathryn Bigelow, Anton Corbijn, Werner Herzog, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Mary Harron, Guillermo del Toro, and Lars von Trier. He has earned four Oscar nominations, including Best Actor in 2019 and three nominations for Best Supporting Actor in 1987, 2001, and 2018.

Masterclasses and Open Air Programme Highlights

Dafoe joins a distinguished list of honorees at the festival, which includes director Ilya Khrzhanovskiy as part of the festival’s “Tribute to” programme. All honorary guests will also conduct masterclasses, providing unique opportunities for attendees to engage with these cinematic icons.

The festival’s Open Air programme will showcase Dafoe’s latest role in the Cannes 2025 Grand Prix winner, while also featuring Miguel Angel Jimenez’s film starring Dafoe, which is set to screen just two weeks following its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival. Other notable titles in the Open Air programme include Pablo Sorrentino’s 2013 film, along with Nadia Fall’s UK feature and works by Michel Franco, another honorary guest this year.

The Open Air section will also introduce the Open Air Premiere, featuring titles from the region or by regional filmmakers. Among these is Thea Gajic’s film, promising a diverse selection that highlights both local talent and established filmmakers.

As the Sarajevo Film Festival celebrates its commitment to cinema and storytelling, Dafoe’s participation underscores the event’s significance in fostering dialogue and appreciation for film across international boundaries. The festival is slated to take place from August 11 to August 18, 2024, inviting audiences to experience a blend of emerging talent and cinematic excellence.