Bollywood Superstar to Receive Pardo alla Carriera Award
Geneva — The Locarno Film Festival, one of the world’s longest-running film festivals, will open on Wednesday with special honors for Shah Rukh Khan, Jane Campion, Alfonso Cuaron, and Irene Jacob. Founded in 1946, the festival is renowned for its focus on auteur cinema and is held on the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore in southern Switzerland.
Shah Rukh Khan, the acclaimed Bollywood actor, will be awarded the Pardo alla Carriera on Saturday. This accolade recognizes individuals whose artistic contributions have significantly influenced cinema. Giona A. Nazzaro, the festival’s artistic director, praised Khan for his extensive impact on Indian cinema and his ability to remain connected with audiences over his career.
The 77th edition of the festival, running until August 17, will showcase 225 films, including 104 world premieres and 15 debut films. The prestigious Golden Leopard, the festival’s top prize, will be awarded to one of the 17 films competing for this honor. Previous winners include iconic directors such as Roberto Rossellini, John Ford, and Stanley Kubrick.
Other Honorees
- Jane Campion: The New Zealand director will receive the Leopard of Honour for her outstanding contributions to world cinema. Campion is recognized for her work with complex characters and her skill in exploring deep, often unsettling themes.
- Alfonso Cuaron: The Mexican filmmaker, known for his Oscar-winning films “Gravity” and “Roma,” will be honored with a lifetime achievement award. Cuaron is celebrated for his innovative approach to filmmaking.
- Irene Jacob: The French-Swiss actress, famous for her roles in “The Double Life of Veronique” and “Three Colours: Red,” will receive the Leopard Club Award for her memorable impact on cinema.
- Stacey Sher: The US film producer behind films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Django Unchained” will be presented with the Raimondo Rezzonico Award for her major achievements in international film production.
The festival will also feature a retrospective celebrating the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures. Last year’s event drew nearly 150,000 attendees, highlighting the festival’s significant role in the global film industry.