In recognition of his remarkable acting career and exceptional contributions to the art of cinema, Ray Winstone will receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival.
“He is an actor who has captivated audiences for five decades with his great talent and undeniable presence. With honesty and intensity that resonate far beyond the screen, he has given us many unforgettable characters. It is a real pleasure to present an Honorary Heart of Sarajevo to Ray Winstone,” says Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
British actor Ray Winstone is one of the UK’s most prolific actors, having marked over forty years in the industry. From blockbusters to independent films, Ray’s film credits are extensive – most recently including Netflix film Damsel, British indie A Bit of Light, Marvel’s Black Widow and Working Title’s heist drama King of Thieves.
“Our passion for great stories and exceptional films is what brings us together. The Sarajevo Film Festival continues to champion cinema that transcends spectacle, offering depth and meaning. I look forward to seeing you in Sarajevo”, says Ray Winstone.
In December 2007, Ray received the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution at the British Independent Film Awards, in recognition of his many iconic roles; from his debut in Alan Clarke’s 1979 drama Scum, to his starring roles in Franc Roddam’s Quadrophenia, Ken Loach’s Ladybird, Ladybird, and Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award winning epic The Departed. Winstone is also known for taking the lead role in Gary Oldman’s gritty biographical drama, Nil By Mouth, for which he won a British Independent Film Award for Best Actor and earned a BAFTA Award nomination. Considered one of the finest performances of his career, Ray starred opposite Ben Kingsley in Jonathan Glazer’s Sexy Beast.
His other film credits include Jawbone, Cold Mountain, The Gunman, King Arthur, The Proposition, Breaking & Entering, Beowulf, Snow White & the Huntsman, The Sweeney, Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Noah, 44 Inch Chest, Ripley’s Game, Last Orders.
TV credits include BBC adaptation of Great Expectations, The Trials of Jimmy Rose, and Henry VIII – which went on to win Best Miniseries/TV Movie at the International Emmy Awards. For his eponymous role in ITV’s Vincent, Ray was awarded the International Emmy Award for Best Actor.
Ray will next be seen in the second series of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, following its smash-hit first series for Netflix last year.
The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival will take place from August 15 to 22, 2025.
