The award recognises a career spanning more than three decades.
The 46th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) will pay tribute to celebrated Egyptian actor Khaled El-Nabawy with a special programme featuring screenings of two of his most acclaimed films, Al Mohager (The Emigrant) and The Citizen, along with an exclusive conversation event exploring his artistic journey. As part of this tribute, El-Nabawy will be honoured with the Faten Hamama Award for Excellence, one of the festival’s highest distinctions.
Youssef Chahine’s The Emigrant (1994), a historical epic loosely inspired by the biblical story of the Prophet Joseph, marked a defining moment in El-Nabawy’s early career. In the film, he portrays Ram, a young and ambitious man who leaves his impoverished village in search of knowledge and a better life in ancient Egypt. The role, which explores themes of ambition, betrayal and perseverance, earned El-Nabawy critical acclaim and cemented his status as one of Egypt’s most promising actors. The film went on to win multiple accolades at regional festivals, including a Best Actor award for El-Nabawy at the All-African Film Awards. The Emigrant will screen on 16 November as part of CIFF’s official line-up.
El-Nabawy’s international career will also be celebrated through a screening of The Citizen, directed by Sam Kadi. The 2012 American drama tells the story of Ibrahim, an Arab immigrant who arrives in the United States on 10 September 2001, just one day before the 9/11 attacks. The film follows his struggle to navigate a climate of suspicion and discrimination in the aftermath of the tragedy. El-Nabawy’s performance earned widespread praise for its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity. The Citizen will be screened on 20 November during the festival.
In addition to the screenings, CIFF will host a special session titled In Conversation with Khaled El-Nabawy: From Heartthrob to Icon, moderated by journalist, art critic and screenwriter Zein Khairy. Scheduled for 16 November at the Cairo Opera House’s Open-Air Theatre, the event will trace El-Nabawy’s evolution as an artist, exploring his creative process, notable roles, and lasting impact on both Egyptian and international cinema.
Born in 1966, Khaled El-Nabawy graduated from Egypt’s Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1989 and began his film career with The Emigrant. His collaboration with Chahine continued with Destiny (1997), and his growing reputation soon led to roles in major international productions such as Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven (2005) and Doug Liman’s Fair Game (2010), in which he starred alongside Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. His diverse filmography also includes The Dealer (2010), Plan B (2019) and Ahl Al-Kahf (2024), while his television credits feature acclaimed series like Sunset Oasis (2017).
El-Nabawy’s stage work has also earned recognition, most notably his portrayal of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in Camp David, performed in Washington, D.C. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has become known for his versatility and depth, portraying characters that embody heroism, complexity, and humanity.
