Fans of Hollywood actor Sir Patrick Stewart will get the chance to interact with him at an In Conversation event during the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) on December 8.
Stewart, a name strongly associated with outstanding acting, iconic film and theatre roles, and a glowing roster of credits — that include Star Trek: The Next Generation and X-Men film series, including his latest critically acclaimed performance as Professor Xavier in James Mangold’s Logan — will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on the opening night of the festival on December 6.
At the In Conversation event, Stewart, 77, will give an insight into his life and the story behind the man who devoted his career to theatre and film.
After joining the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stewart got his big break in the sci-fi fantasy series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987). The series spanned seven years from 1987-1994, during which time he made the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard his own. He later reprising the role for the film adaptations Star Trek: Generations (1994), First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). Stewart has also played Charles Xavier (Professor X) in the epic X-Men franchise (2000-2017), and put his voice to roles in Ice Age, Ted, Ted 2, Family Guy, American Dad, Chicken Little and The Emoji Movie.
He is a three-time Golden Globe nominee, four-time Primetime Emmy nominee, and 12-time award winner on the global film circuit. Having worked alongside names such as Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, Halle Berry, William Shatner and Malcolm McDowell, Stewart was awarded a knighthood in 2010 for his services to drama.
“Our goal at Diff has always been to promote great cinema, and recognise incredible talent. This year we are truly humbled to present our Lifetime Achievement Award to Sir Patrick Stewart, whose career and contribution to cinema has made a lasting impact on the industry landscape for generations. It is our absolute pleasure to honour his incredible achievements at the festival and to welcome him to the Madinat Jumeirah for an unforgettable in conversation event with fans,” said Abdul Hamid Juma, the chairman of Diff.
Stewart receives the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside acclaimed Egyptian writer Wahid Hamed. Indian actor Irrfan Khan will receive an Honorary Award at the festival.
Diff runs from December 6 to 13. Tickets, starting at Dh50, are available online at diff.ae and from the box office at Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates.
