The Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) is awarding its 20th Golden Star award to Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi and Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen , FIFM announced on Tuesday.
FIFM recognized Faouzi Bensaïd for enjoying an exemplary career spanning nearly 25 years, establishing himself as a beacon of Moroccan cinema with a remarkable body of work highly acclaimed on the international stage.
“I am proud to have shown all my films there and very grateful for this loyalty and friendship. Thank you to the Marrakech Festival for honoring this attachment with this tribute, which is an immense honor for me,” said Bensaïd. “I can’t wait to share my latest film, Deserts, which is also made up of a thousand and one stories, with all the festival-goers,”.”
Mads Mikkelsen was honored for his success in both Hollywood blockbusters and European art films, captivating audiences with his audacity, magnetism, and versatility in reinventing himself from one film to the next.
“Dear Marrakech Film Festival, what an honor for me to be once again invited to your magnificent festival,” Mikkelsen wrote. “The last time I came was as part of a celebration of Danish cinema. This time, it is a personal tribute. I will certainly dedicate the award I will receive to all the people I have worked with over the years,” he added.
In 2000, Bensaïdi directed two short films, Le Mur, which won an award at the Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes, and Trajets, that won an award at the Venice Film Festival. His first feature film, Mille Mois, won the Le Premier Regard and the Prix de la Jeunesse at Un Certain Regard in Cannes. It was followed by WWW – What a Wonderful World, selected at the Venice Mostra.
Mikkelsen has played roles in films such as Arctic (2019), Polar (2019), Dr. Strange (2016), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Casino Royale (2006), Le Roi Arthur (2004), as well as in the hit TV series Hannibal (2013-2015).