IFFI 2023: Michael Douglas receives Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award; a look at other big winners

The 54th International Film Festival of India concluded in Goa on November 28, with Endless Borders clinching the Best Film Award and Panchayat Season 2 securing the Best Web Series Award at the closing ceremony. Rishab Shetty received the Special Jury Award for Kantara, while Hollywood icon Michael Douglas was honored with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.

270 international and Indian films, including 25 feature film and 20 non-feature film were screened at the festival.

During the festival's closing ceremony, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana jointly presented the 2023 Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award to Hollywood icon Michael Douglas.

In his acceptance speech, Michael remembered the work of Satyajit Ray and said, ‘I would like to share this honour with PM Narendra Modi, the honourable Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur. It’s an honour to receive Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award. I am humbled to join a prestigious group of past award recipients. Ray personified what it means to be a world class filmmaker.’

He added, ‘His films not only represent the triumph of the Indian film industry but the potential of the cross-cultural artistic expression. With every think going on in the world today, this festival reminds us the magic of movie making. When you have been in the industry as long as I have, it becomes clear that cinema is one of the few mediums that has the power to unite and transform us. It reveals our true humanity. Today our global language of cinema is more meaningful than ever.’

After his speech, Ayushmann asked Michael if he has watched any Indian films. The actor responded by saying, ‘I have watched RRR. Om Shanti Om is played in our house over and over again. Lunchbox is one of our favourites. I am also fortunate to have seen Satyajit Ray’s work in college.’

Catherine Zeta Jones was also honoured at the closing ceremony of the festival.

Other big winners:

Best Actor (Male): Pouria Rahimi Sam for the film Endless Borders

Best Actor (Female): Melanie Thierry for the film Party of Fools

Best Director: Stephan Komandarev for the film Blaga’s Lessons

Best Debutant Director: Reger Azad Kaya for the film When The Seedlings Grow

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