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

Willem Dafoe will receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival, awarded in recognition of his contribution to the art of film.

During the event, the actor will hold a Masterclass where he will share his experience and reflections on the art.

Jovan Marjanović, the festival director, said: “Every time he steps in front of the camera, he demonstrates that he is a true master of his craft. Whether starring in a Hollywood blockbuster or a low-budget independent film, his characters are always complex, emotional and unforgettable.”

In 1979, Dafoe was given a role in Michael Cimino’s “Heaven’s Gate,” from which he was fired. Since then, he has collaborated with directors who represent an encyclopedia of world cinema, including Wes Anderson, Kathryn Bigelow, Tim Burton, David Cronenberg, Mary Harron, Walter Hill, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Paul Schrader, Martin Scorsese, Zack Snyder, Guillermo del Toro, Yorgos Lanthimos and Zhang Yimou.

Dafoe was recognized with Academy Award nominations for “At Eternity’s Gate,” “Platoon,” “Shadow of the Vampire” and “The Florida Project.”

He was a Golden Globe nominee for “Shadow of the Vampire,” “The Florida Project,” “At Eternity’s Gate” and “Poor Things.”

He is also the recipient of two Independent Spirit Awards, the Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup and a Berlinale Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement.

Most recently, Dafoe was named the artistic director of the theater department for the Venice Biennale’s 2025 and 2026 seasons.

The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival will take place from Aug. 15 to 22.