Egyptian diva Yousra was honoured by America Abroad Media (AAM) at its seventh annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC, this week in the attendance of several Hollywood stars.

The AAM is an international media non-profit organisation that "honors outstanding leaders whose work meets international standards and exemplifies the power of media to inform, educate and empower," read the official press release.

AAM founder and president Aaron Lobel said that Yousra was an "icon in the Middle East and a true inspiration to her millions of fans, both through her brilliant work as an actress on screen, and her devotion to her society and a better world."

Upon receiving the award, Yousra said, "I feel proud to represent my country and the Arab world and honored to receive such valuable and important award. I'm really happy that my work is being celebrated," the release continued.

Hollywood stars congratulated Yousra on the honour.

Actor Harvey Keitel said that Yousra had always created a "strong impression on us" recalling the warmth he received from the actress when he had visited Egypt and was hosted by Yousra.

##

Calling Yousra an old friend of his, actor John Malkovich praised her for her talent and kindness, and called her "a great ambassador for Egyptian cinema and for the Egyptian people."

Singer and Hollywood actress Vanessa Williams recognised Yousra's outstanding work as an actress and iconic career. "Through your art you have given a voice to many women and others who might not have otherwise been heard, and in everything you do on and off screen, your genuine sense of humanity shines through. You are a true inspiration and a role model for women in the Middle East, and indeed, around the world," Williams said.

Variety's film critic Jay Weissberg praised Yousra for being responsive to her public, saying: "I've traveled around the MENA region with her a number of times, and I've never seen a movie star who is so generous with the public, who is so giving, who gives so much joy."

Numerous Egyptian celebrities congratulated Yousra on the award, including director Marwan Hamed who referred to Yousra as a genuine actress who was the pride and joy of Egyptian cinema. Actress Sherine Reda called her a living legend.

##

Other known figures who celebrated Yousra's win were screenwriter Tamer Habib, director Inas El-Degheidy, and businessmen Naguib Sawiris and Samih Sawiris.

The 64-year-old Egyptian superstar Yousra (born Civene Nessim) has dozens of films and television series to her name. She worked with some of Egypt's most celebrated directors and writers, including Youssef Chahine, Ali Badrakhan, Wahid Hamed, Sherif Arafa, Raafat El-Mihi, Khairy Beshara, Samir Seif, and Marwan Hamed.

She was selected as a Goodwill Ambassador and received many honours from international festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, Cairo International Film Festival, Beirut International Film Festival in Lebanon, in addition to the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) in Paris, and the Royal College of Physicians in London. Yousra was chosen to be a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (The Oscars) in 2019.

##

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at@AhramOnlineArtsand on Facebook atAhram Online: Arts & Culture

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/355580.aspx