The 45th Cairo International Film Festival CIFF24, hosted at the prestigious Egyptian Opera House, paid tribute to the celebrated American actor and A
The 45th Cairo International Film Festival CIFF24, hosted at the prestigious Egyptian Opera House, paid tribute to the celebrated American actor and Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts, known for his powerful performances in Runaway Train and Star 80. Following the accolade, Roberts led an engaging masterclass where he voiced his deep solidarity with the Palestinian people, emphasizing their extraordinary resilience in the face of systematic challenges and human rights violations.
Roberts, adorned with a Palestinian solidarity pin, made a heartfelt appeal for awareness and empathy. “What the Palestinian people are enduring is unimaginable; only angels and mountains could bear such suffering,” he said. Roberts stressed the importance of truth in art, urging fellow artists to remain committed to their beliefs and express them fearlessly, regardless of potential repercussions.
During his masterclass, Roberts shared, “Art must take a back seat when human lives and conflicts are involved. Small, symbolic actions—like wearing a solidarity pin—can speak volumes without the need for lengthy statements.” He highlighted that sincerity is the core of an impactful performance, as audiences connect most with actors who genuinely embody their roles.
Roberts reflected on the unique challenges of portraying real-life figures versus fictional characters, emphasizing that while staying authentic to real people is demanding, it allows for a deeper exploration of human experience. He shared his methodical approach to preparing for a role, explaining that he marks up scripts and experiments with voice modulation until he achieves the right tone.
Discussing his time on Grey’s Anatomy, Roberts recounted an occasion when he spent an unexpectedly long day on set due to last-minute script changes. Despite the challenges, he valued the experience of working alongside industry veterans, describing every acting opportunity as a new “love story” that adds depth to an actor’s journey.
He also addressed the importance of adapting one’s approach to each role, noting that understanding a character’s nuances is essential for truly living the part. Roberts encouraged aspiring actors to remain genuine, select roles that resonate with audiences, and develop their distinct perspectives through extensive film study. Over time, he explained, this practice helps actors become natural in front of the camera and lets their unique styles emerge organically.
In recognition of his contributions to the art of cinema, Festival Artistic Director Essam Zakaria presented Roberts with the prestigious Golden Pyramid Award. Accepting the honor, Roberts expressed his joy: “I love you all, and I love Cairo. This is a truly special award.”
Roberts’ career began in New York, earning him the World Theatre Award in 1989. He has been nominated for multiple Golden Globes for standout roles in Runaway Train, Star 80, and King of the Gypsies. His television work includes winning a Satellite Award for Less Than Perfect in 2002 and receiving accolades for Cold Blood. In 1998, he was recognized as Best Actor at the New York Independent Film Festival for The Cockroach.
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