Actress Meg Ryan, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the art of film, was presented with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at the Coca-Cola Open Air Cinema.
„Thank you very much. I’m so happy to be here. Thank you Sarajevo Film Festival and all of you for being here, thank you for your hearts. I am glad to be here and to be able to thank you face to face for what you have been doing for years. This is an example of how this community can be unique, not wasting their lives, but watching movies, listening to music, dancing and thus confirming that art and culture are an act of resistance. Thank you so much for resisting“, said Meg Ryan.
The Honorary Heart of Sarajevo was presented to Ryan by Jovan Marjanović, the director of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
“Tonight we have gathered to celebrate an iconic figure in the world of film. A celebrated actress whose talent, charm and versatility have been delighting audiences for years. Meg Ryan’s career is a shining testament to the magic of storytelling through film. Her roles in romantic classics such as ‘When Harry Met Sally’, Sleepless in Seattle and ‘You’ve Got Mail’ are unforgettable, as well as in dramas such as ‘Courage Under Fire’ and ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’. Meg Rayan always gave authenticity to the characters she portrayed,” said Jovan Marjanović
The Hollywood star, known for her versatility and natural charm in every role she plays, greeted the audience at the Coca-Cola Open Air Cinema and presented a special screening of her hit romantic comedy from 1998, “You Have a Message”, in the same place where this film was shown before 25 years, at the 5th Sarajevo Film Festival, 1999.
Ryan previously held a masterclass moderated by award-winning BiH director Danis Tanović, winner of the Oscar® for the film “No Man’s Land”. The Masterclass was 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 shown at the 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.
