British actor Ray Winstone awarded Honorary Heart of Sarajevo

Reflecting on the award, Winstone spoke with warmth and humility:

“Awards are funny things, the most talked about things. But they make you stop and think about the reasons why. I’ve been doing this for 50 years, and it makes you reflect not only on the popular work, but also on the smaller films. If you’re lucky enough to work in this industry, it takes you to places you’ll never forget, and it lets you meet people whose stories become part of your education of the world.

This Festival is different from any other I’ve been to. It was born 30 years ago, during a time of great trouble, and it was created by people who were fighting for the chance to make films. I don’t think there’s another festival in the world built on that foundation—and that makes me very proud to accept this award. Thank you, very, very much.”

The award was presented by Jovan Marjanovic, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, who praised Winstone’s artistry and legacy:

“It is a great honor to present the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo to a truly singular actor. For five decades, Ray has captivated audiences with performances that are both extraordinary and deeply human. From Scum to Sexy Beast, The Departed, and The Proposition—which we are screening tonight—his characters have redefined what it means to portray strength, vulnerability, and truth on screen. Whether in a blockbuster or a small British drama, there is always a raw intensity, a fire that makes Ray’s performances impossible to forget.”

Winstone, one of Britain’s most prolific actors, has built a career spanning more than four decades. His recent credits include Netflix’s Damsel, the British indie A Bit of Light, Marvel’s Black Widow, and King of Thieves. Over the years, he has been celebrated with numerous awards, including the Richard Harris Award at the British Independent Film Awards in 2007, recognizing his outstanding contribution to cinema. His acclaimed performances in films such as Alan Clarke’s Scum, Franc Roddam’s Quadrophenia, Ken Loach’s Ladybird, Ladybird, Gary Oldman’s Nil By Mouth, and Martin Scorsese’s The Departed have cemented his reputation as one of the UK’s finest actors.

Following the award ceremony, the festival hosted a gala screening of John Hillcoat’s The Proposition, one of Winstone’s standout films.