Diff 2015: The first night

Dubai: After the fun and glamour of the red carpet, the action at the Dubai International Film Festival’s first night then moved inside the Madinat Arena, where three lifetime achievement honourees collected their awards.

Catherine Deneuve, Naseeruddin Shah and Egyptian actor Ezzat Al Alayli were presented their awards by Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The fourth recipient, French-Tunisian actor Sami Bouajila, was not present.

“I’m very happy to stand before you tonight... this great festival, that advances every year,” said Al Alayli. He praised the UAE for “putting its hand in the hand of other Arab countries”, especially Egypt.

Shah was in fine form as he recalled filming in Sharjah “many years ago”.

“We spent 45 days to shoot one shot. I have come to this city many times. It is indeed a pleasure. It’s no longer a mirage. It’s a beautiful mirage that’s real.”

He had a gentle warning for anyone thinking he’s wrapping up his stellar career: “Receiving a lifetime achievement award feels like someone saying ‘here, take this and go away’. But I’m not going anywhere.”

French actress Deneuve thanked Shaikh Mansour “for this very special award. It’s a great honour. And it’s a great pleasure for me to be in this festival.”

The youngest speech maker of the evening was Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay, the nine-year-old star of the festival’s opening film, Room, who introduced the film.

He learned this evening that he is nominated for a prestigious Screen Actors Guild award for best supporting actor."

This is a very exciting time for me because Dubai is a fun place. People here are nice and super warm. Hope you enjoy the movie.”