Stellan Skarsgard to Receive Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at 2025 Festival

Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård will receive the prestigious Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival in August, recognizing his exceptional contributions to cinema and longstanding support of the festival. Skarsgård, a longtime friend and patron of the Katrin Cartlidge Foundation, has been celebrated for his impactful roles in international films and television, with a career spanning over 150 credits since he began acting at age 15. His international breakthrough came with the Silver Bear-winning performance in 1982's The Simple-Minded Murderer, and he has since appeared in notable works such as The Hunt for Red October, Lars von Trier films, Good Will Hunting, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mamma Mia!, and the Dune series. Festival director Jovan Marjanovic praised Skarsgård's depth, strength, and integrity, highlighting his unforgettable roles and ongoing support for the Sarajevo Film Festival. Past honorees include Meg Ryan, Angelina Jolie, and Lynne Ramsay, underscoring the award's significance in honoring outstanding film industry figures. Skarsgård expressed his admiration for the festival's mission to highlight meaningful subjects with a passionate spirit, stating, "I love going there."