Willem Dafoe Receives Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award

Willem Dafoe will be honored with the prestigious Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival, held from August 15 to 22, 2025, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the art of film. Festival director Jovan Marjanovic praised Dafoe as a true master of his craft, noting his versatility and emotional depth across Hollywood blockbusters and independent cinema alike. Dafoe, with over 150 films in his career and four Oscar nominations, will also lead a masterclass sharing insights on contemporary filmmaking with young talents and the festival audience. He joins fellow honorees Stellan Skarsgård and Ray Winstone, who will also receive the award and participate in the festival’s events. The festival will feature screenings linked to the honorees, including Dafoe’s recent film "The Birthday Party." This marks Dafoe's return to the Sarajevo Film Festival after 25 years, underscoring his enduring influence and artistic curiosity.