Ashraf Thoonery
Jeddah: Under the glittering Arabian night sky and amidst the shimmering lights of the Red Sea coast, the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival unfolded into a celebration of cinematic brilliance. The festival’s prestigious awards night turned into a spectacle of elegance, emotion and global artistic unity — led by two extraordinary women of world cinema.
Bollywood’s international sensation Alia Bhatt made a breathtaking entrance, draped in a luminous gold gown strewn with floral motifs, her smile capturing the attention of every lens in the room. Alongside her, radiating quiet grace, arrived Tunisian–Egyptian powerhouse performer Hend Sabry, glowing in a silver ensemble that mirrored the stardust of the evening.
The hall rose in applause as both stars made their way to the stage — each moments away from receiving honours that mark new milestones in their illustrious journeys.
Alia Bhatt’s Golden Moment
When Alia Bhatt was announced as the recipient of the Golden Globe Horizon Award, the room erupted with admiration. The honour — awarded to international talents shaping the future of global storytelling — cemented Alia’s ascent as one of the most influential contemporary voices in cinema.
With humility and radiance, she addressed the gathering:
“Receiving the Golden Globe Horizon Award here at the Red Sea International Film Festival is a profound honour. My love for cinema is what brought me to this moment. Human stories, their emotions, their truth — that is the magic that pulls us into films. This recognition fills me with gratitude, strength and renewed passion. I thank everyone who has stood with me in this unforgettable moment.”
Earlier in the day, Alia’s appearance at the festival’s Conversations Series was met with standing ovations, cheers and infectious excitement from fans and filmmakers alike — a testament to her rising global influence.
Hend Sabry and the Legacy of Omar Sharif
In another poignant highlight, Hend Sabry stepped onto the stage to receive the Omar Sharif Award, a tribute named after the legendary Egyptian actor whose legacy continues to inspire generations across the Arab world and beyond.
With heartfelt emotion, Sabry said:
“To receive an award carrying the name of a giant like Omar Sharif is a deeply humbling honour. My journey has always been about telling the layered, complex stories of women. Sharing this Golden Globe platform with Alia Bhatt — one of the brightest stars of the future — doubles the joy of this moment.”
A Night Celebrating Arab Cinema and Global Storytelling
Golden Globes President Helen Hoehne and Red Sea Film Foundation Chairwoman Jomana Al-Rashid jointly presented the awards, marking a historic moment in the growing partnership between the global film community and the Arab region.
Hoehne paid tribute to both winners:
“We honour Hend Sabry for her extraordinary contribution to Arab cinema — her work reflects its depth, strength and far-reaching influence. And we celebrate Alia Bhatt for her exceptional achievements and her role in shaping international cinema.”
A Festival Coming of Age
As the Red Sea Film Foundation celebrates its fifth anniversary, the festival is rapidly emerging as a global cultural force — a crossroads for storytellers from the Middle East, Asia and North Africa, and a platform that continues to spotlight regional talents on the world stage.
Omar Sharif, the iconic star behind classics like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, was himself a three-time Golden Globe winner — making the award in his name a deeply significant honour in Arab cinematic history.
Film critic and author