Samuel L Jackson is looking for a job in the UAE. This declaration came from the actor himself, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th Dubai International Film Festival on December 7 at Madinat Jumeirah.
“I’ve already campaigned to come work here, so if anyone has a job for a brother let me know. Maybe one of my films will be screening at this festival next year,” said Jackson, aiming his words toward Diff chairman Abdul Hamid Juma.
Indian actress Rekha and French-Lebanese composer Gabriel Yared were also awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards and were congratulated by Jackson at the beginning of his speech.
The trio were presented their awards by Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President, Dubai International Marine Club.
“I have a lot to people to thank but you don’t know them, and they’re not here so they won’t know, except my agent, so I’ll thank him,” he joked.
A chameleon on the big screen, he rose to popularity in the 1990s, with films such as Jungle Fever, Patriot Games and Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic Pulp Fiction, which earned him his first and only Oscar nomination. An only child raised by his mother, he had once intended to take up marine biology as a career path, but after joining an acting group for extra credit in college, he switched majors.
Yared kept his speech short, expressing his gratitude for the recognition. The award-winning composer behind The English Patient said that while he was honoured, his career was far from over.
“Since my early childhood in Lebanon, I’ve been interested in music. I hope my inspiration will keep blossoming as long as I shall live,” said Yared.
Yared, 67, was born in Beirut and began accordion lessons at the age of 7. Though he went on to study law in university, he time and time again returned to music.
Opening night
Rekha, despite a reputation for being reclusive, had slightly more to say at the podium. She joked that had it been the Oscars, she would have been cut short by music.
“The saying goes love thy neighbour and that’s not the only reason I love Dubai. Many years ago when I first stepped in this place, I knew it was god’s place. I’ve seen you go from strength to strength,” she said.
“I’ve really not been able to wrap my head around being here with — I can’t even say his name — Samuel L Jackson and Gabriel.”
The brief award ceremony was followed by the opening night screening of political thriller Miss Sloane. In it, Jessica Chastain stars as a work-obsessed lobbyist going against the guardians of the second amendment: the right to bear arms in America.
Chastain, who is filming another project in Toronto, was unable to accompany the film. Director John Madden and actor Jake Lacey introduced it.
“It’s ridiculous for two men to be standing here. This is a film about women,” said Madden.
Dubai International Film Festival will run until December 14, primarily at Madinat Jumeirah. Fans can attend an In Conversation with Jackson on December 9.
For tickets and information, diff.ae.
