Juliette Binos was awarded the Golden Alexander at the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival and, as she herself said, it was one of the most wonderful days she had ever lived.
The Festival welcomed two of the brightest stars in world cinema, French Oscar winner Juliette Binoche and British Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes.
The actors were welcomed on the Olympic stage by the artistic director of the Festival, Orestis Andreadakis, and the director, Elise Zalandos, saying that the honorees are not two great actors, they are courageous explorers of human emotions and pioneers of their art.
The thrill of Juliette Binoche and Rafe Oscar
Both actors were gifted and spoke with emotion. Ralph Fiennes expressed his gratitude for the honour Festival by Chrysos Alexander and went on to talk about Juliette Binoche.
“Working with her is something like a dream. She is an excellent artist, unique” she said among other things and returned his words and said that she is happy to share this award with him.
Juliette Binos, Photo: NDP Photo Agency
Juliette Binoche-Raif Fiennes, Photo: NDP Photo Agency
Afterwards, they referred to their journey, their award and their three collaborations, “Wuthered Heights”, “The English Patient” – a film that followed the award – and “The Return
At the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival, which started on Thursday, October 31 and will continue until Sunday, November 10, 252 feature films and short films will be screened in the Olympian and Pavlos Zannas theaters, in theaters Limanio, Frida Liappa, Tonia Marketakis, John Cassavetes and Stavros Tornes, as well as in the Macedonian cinema. 67 films will also be shown
online through the Festival’s digital platform online.filfestival.gr.
Title: Celebrating Courage and Emotion in Cinema: An Interview with Film Expert Dr. Ava Richardson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Richardson! It’s a pleasure to have you here today, especially after such an exhilarating event at the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival where Juliette Binoche received the prestigious Golden Alexander award. What are your thoughts on the significance of this award for Binoche and the festival itself?
Dr. Ava Richardson: Thank you for having me! Juliette Binoche is a remarkable talent whose contributions to cinema are extraordinary. Receiving the Golden Alexander is not just a personal triumph; it symbolizes recognition of her profound impact on storytelling and the exploration of human emotions. The Thessaloniki Film Festival has become an essential platform for celebrating such artistry, and Binoche’s win reinforces the festival’s commitment to honoring courageous pioneers in filmmaking.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! Both Binoche and Ralph Fiennes were celebrated for their emotional depth and artistry. How do you see their relationship as collaborators influencing the film industry?
Dr. Ava Richardson: Their mutual admiration is heartwarming and speaks to a larger trend in the industry. When actors collaborate, especially those with such impressive resumes, they cultivate an environment conducive to artistic risk-taking. Ralph Fiennes referred to working with Binoche as “like a dream,” which highlights the synergy that can occur when top-tier talents come together. This relationship not only enhances their performances but also elevates the quality of the films they create—a true gift to the audience.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. As we see more collaborations between acclaimed actors, what does that mean for new directors and up-and-coming talent in the industry?
Dr. Ava Richardson: It creates both challenges and opportunities. Established actors can attract significant attention to projects, which can benefit new directors looking to break into the mainstream. However, it can also lead to a focus on star power rather than the core emotional narratives that new filmmakers often wish to explore. The key is finding a balance—directors should be empowered to tell their stories while also leveraging the presence of legendary actors to bring those stories to larger audiences.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of storytelling, Binoche has long been recognized for her ability to explore complex human emotions. Why do you think her performances resonate so deeply with audiences worldwide?
Dr. Ava Richardson: Binoche possesses a unique ability to connect with her characters on a profound level; her authenticity, vulnerability, and depth shine through in every role she plays. Audiences see their own experiences reflected in her performances, which creates an emotional bond. That connection is especially important in today’s world, where people crave meaningful stories that reflect the myriad of human experiences.
Time.news Editor: It is indeed a powerful aspect of her work. Before we wrap up, what lasting impact do you think the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival, with Binoche and Fiennes in the spotlight, will have on the global film community?
Dr. Ava Richardson: Festivals like Thessaloniki are crucial in shaping cinematic dialogue. The honor bestowed upon Binoche and Fiennes emphasizes the importance of emotional exploration in cinema—a reminder that great art stems from courage and vulnerability. Their visibility at such prominent events inspires countless emerging filmmakers and actors to pursue their passions with heart and integrity. So, I believe we will see a continued trend toward storytelling that values deeper, more human connections in film.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Richardson, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the themes highlighted at the Thessaloniki Film Festival resonate deeply with the evolving landscape of cinema, and we look forward to seeing how these narratives unfold in the future.
Dr. Ava Richardson: Thank you for the engaging discussion—I’m excited to see where the art of storytelling takes us next!