Willem Dafoe to receive Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at 31st Sarajevo Film Festival

With a career spanning more than 150 films, Dafoe is celebrated globally for his daring, versatility, and commitment to complex roles across both Hollywood blockbusters and independent cinema. His artistic curiosity and deep exploration of the human condition have taken him across the globe, working on projects large and small.

As part of his participation at the Festival, Dafoe will also host a Masterclass, offering insights into his craft and sharing his artistic journey with young talents, film professionals, and festival audiences.

“Willem Dafoe returns to Sarajevo after 25 years, and it is a great honour to present him with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo,” said Jovan Marjanovic, Director of the Sarajevo Film Festival. “His filmography is what every actor aspires to. Whether in a major studio film or a small indie project, he brings emotional depth and unforgettable presence to every role.”

Dafoe’s career began in the late 1970s, and over the decades he has worked with some of the most influential filmmakers in modern cinema, including Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, Lars von Trier, Wes Anderson, Guillermo del Toro, Yorgos Lanthimos, and many more.

He has earned four Academy Award nominations, including for At Eternity’s Gate (Best Actor), Platoon, Shadow of the Vampire, and The Florida Project (Best Supporting Actor). His accolades include two Independent Spirit Awards, the Volpi Cup from the Venice Film Festival, a Berlinale Honorary Golden Bear, and, most recently, Greece’s Iris Award for Best Actor for his role in Inside.

Dafoe’s range is showcased in performances such as Thomas Wake in The Lighthouse, mentor Marcus in John Wick, Paul Smecker in The Boondock Saints, and his iconic portrayal of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin in Spider-Man: No Way Home. His upcoming projects include collaborations with directors Kent Jones, Gastón Solnicki, Robert Eggers, and Bárbara Paz.

Beyond film, Dafoe has made a profound mark on theatre. He was a founding member of New York’s Wooster Group, working with them from 1977 to 2005. He has since collaborated with directors such as Robert Wilson, Richard Foreman, Marina Abramovic, and Romeo Castellucci. He was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Theatre Department for the Venice Biennale 2025–2026.

The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival will take place from August 15 to 22, 2025.

Dafoe joins a distinguished list of past recipients of the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo, including Robert De Niro, Isabelle Huppert, Charlie Kaufman, Oliver Stone, John Turturro, and Angelina Jolie.