Shah Rukh Khan to Receive Honorary Leopard Achievement Award at 2024 Locarno Film Festival; ‘Devdas’ Screening and Actor Panel Confirmed

Ziya Khan 2 days agoLast Updated: July 3, 2024

Shah Rukh Khan is set to receive the prestigious Leopard Achievement Award at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, in recognition of his exceptional career and immense contribution to Indian cinema. The festival, which takes place from August 7th to 17th, 2024, will honor Khan for his significant impact on Indian cinema and his influence that extends beyond national borders. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on the evening of Saturday, August 10, at Piazza Grande, the heart of the festival.Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival, expressed his excitement about welcoming Shah Rukh Khan, describing it as a dream come true. Nazzaro praised Khan for the wealth and breadth of his contribution to Indian cinema, highlighting his ability to stay connected with his audience.

The festival will also feature a public conversation with Shah Rukh Khan at the Forum Spazio Cinema on Sunday, August 11, providing audiences with an opportunity to gain insights into his journey and connect with the man behind the iconic screen persona.In addition to the award ceremony, the festival will showcase a pivotal film from Khan’s illustrious career – Devdas (2002), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This grand love story will be screened during the festival, offering audiences a glimpse into the actor’s emotional depth and versatility. Shah Rukh Khan’s career, which spans over three decades and includes collaborations with India’s most prominent directors and stars, has earned him international recognition.

The French government previously acknowledged his contributions to cinema by awarding him the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2007) and the prestigious Légion d’honneur (2014).The Pardo alla Carriera Award, which Khan will receive, is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of cinema. Khan joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including Francesco Rosi, Claude Goretta, Claudia Cardinale, and Jane Birkin.The festival’s decision to honor Shah Rukh Khan underscores his enduring impact on Indian cinema and his status as a global icon, symbolizing the vitality of Hindi-language cinema.