Actress Meg Ryan arrived in Sarajevo tonight. Ryan landed at the Sarajevo airport around 11 p.m. and headed to the Swiss Hotel. She arrived in Sarajevo to receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival in recognition of her outstanding contribution to film art.
A Hollywood star known for his versatility and natural charm in every role he plays, Ryan will also present a special screening of his 1998 hit romantic comedy You’ve Got a Message at the Coca-Cola Summer Cinema. The famous actress will greet the audience at the same place where this film was shown 25 years ago, at the 5th Sarajevo Film Festival, in 1999.
Meg Ryan will also hold a masterclass moderated by award-winning BiH. director Danis Tanović, winner of the Oscar® for the film “No Man’s Land”. The Masterclass will be a special opportunity to get an insight into key aspects of Meg Ryan’s career and her new film “What Happens Later”, which will also be screened at the Festival. Bleecker Street Media’s What Happens Later, a romantic comedy that Ryan directed, wrote and co-starred with David Duchovny, is her second feature, following 2015’s independent film Ithaca.
“Meg Ryan won our hearts at first sight! Not only did she charm us all with her unforgettable performances, but she also proved her skill behind the camera as a director and screenwriter. It is an honor for us to award her the Heart of Sarajevo”, said Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Meg Ryan is an American actress and producer who became one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, particularly known for her roles in romantic comedies during the 1980s and 1990s. Born on November 19, 1961, in Fairfield, Connecticut, her full name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra.
Ryan first gained widespread recognition with her role as Sally Albright in the 1989 romantic comedy *When Harry Met Sally…*, where her performance, including the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene, made her a household name. She continued to solidify her status as a rom-com icon with hit films like *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), *You’ve Got Mail* (1998), and *City of Angels* (1998). Her on-screen chemistry with actors like Tom Hanks helped define an era of romantic comedies.
In addition to romantic comedies, Ryan has appeared in a variety of genres, showcasing her range as an actress. She starred in dramas like *When a Man Loves a Woman* (1994) and *Courage Under Fire* (1996).
Beyond acting, Meg Ryan has also ventured into directing and producing. In 2015, she made her directorial debut with the film *Ithaca*, in which she also starred.
Despite stepping back from the Hollywood spotlight in recent years, Ryan remains a beloved figure in the film industry, known for her charm, wit, and the warmth she brought to her roles.
As a reminder, the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo was established in 2005 with the aim of recognizing individuals for their exceptional contribution to the affirmation and development of the film industry and the support and development of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
