John Turturro is to receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival in Bosnia, which runs from Aug. 16 to 23. The award is in recognition of his contribution to the film industry and his talent as an actor, director and screenwriter.
Jovan Marjanović, director of Sarajevo Film Festival, said: “With a career spanning over four decades, he has delivered unforgettable performances in a diverse range of roles. His dedication to his craft, versatility, and ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character he embodies have made him a joy to look at every time he enters the scene.”
Turturro studied at SUNY New Paltz and the Yale School of Drama. He has worked with a number of acclaimed filmmakers, appearing in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” and “Jungle Fever,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Color of Money,” Robert Redford’s “Quiz Show,” Francesco Rosi’s “La Tregua,” Robert De Niro’s “The Good Shepherd,” Tom DiCillo’s “Box of Moonlight” and Nanni Moretti’s “Mia Madre.”
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In 2004, he starred in “Secret Passage,” a historical drama by Bosnian director Ademir Kenović.
As a frequent collaborator with Joel and Ethan Coen, Turturro starred in several of their films. For his lead role in “Barton Fink,” he won the best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival and the David Donatello Award. He also appeared in their films “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” “Miller’s Crossing” and “The Big Lebowski,” where he played the iconic character Jesus Quintana. In 2020, Turturro reprised Quintana in “The Jesus Rolls,” a film he wrote, directed and starred in.
He received the Camera d’Or Award at Cannes for “Mac,” his directorial debut. Other films as director/writer include “Illuminata,” “Romance & Cigarettes,” “Passione,” “Fading Gigolo” and “The Jesus Roles.”
On television, Turturro was nominated for a SAG Award for his portrayal of Howard Cosell in “Monday Night Mayhem” and again for “The Bronx is Burning.” He won an Emmy Award for his guest appearance on “Monk” and was nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG Award on HBO’s “The Night Of.” He will be seen on Season 2 of Apple’s series “Severance.”
During the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival, Turturro will conduct a masterclass, offering insights into his career and craft. Additionally, he will make a special appearance at a screening of “Barton Fink.”
