The Cairo International Film Festival announced the honoring of Palestinian actress, writer, and director Hiam Abbas with the Golden Pyramid Award at its 46th edition, held from November 12 to 21, 2025. This recognition is for her continuous efforts in highlighting humanitarian and social issues through refined and committed artistic works that reflect the powerful voice and cause of the Palestinian people and the experiences of Arab nations.

The announcement was made during the festival’s press conference held on Sunday afternoon, attended by star Mahmoud Hemida, producer Mohamed El Adl, screenwriter Abdel Rahim Kamal, Layla Elwi, Loubna, Basma, actor Ahmed Magdy, producer Hesham Suleiman, media personality Reham Ibrahim, critic Tarek El-Shenawy, and media host Jasmine Taha Zaki.

Hiam Abbas

A Palestinian actress, writer, and director, considered one of the most prominent Arab figures who have left a deep mark on world cinema. She was born in the city of Nazareth in 1960 and studied photography and theater in Jerusalem before moving to Paris in the late 1980s.

Since the start of her career, she has participated in over one hundred films and excelled in portraying diverse female roles. She gained wide fame through her roles in important Arab films such as “Haifa,” “Bab Al-Shams,” and “Paradise Now.”

Her career is distinguished by her ability to work with different generations of directors, having collaborated with pioneering director Rashid Masharawi in “Haifa,” director Elia Suleiman in “Divine Intervention,” as well as the brothers Arab and Tarzan Nasser in “Gaza Mon Amour.”

On the global stage, she has appeared in major films such as Steven Spielberg’s “Munich,” Thomas McCarthy’s “The Visitor,” and “Blade Runner 2049.” She also received significant acclaim for her role in the series “Succession,” in addition to her role in the series “Ramy.”

Her work is not limited to acting; she has directed short films and several theatrical works, in addition to her first feature film “Inheritance” in 2012, revealing her view of cinema as a means to express identity and preserve collective memory.

Cairo International Film Festival

One of the most prestigious festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and the only one in the region holding the “Category A” classification from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) in Paris. The festival was established in 1976 and is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.