At the festival’s opening ceremony, Hemida (b. 1953) received the Career Achievement Award, followed by a conversation with him on October 25, moderated by Egyptian actress Mariam Al-Khosht. The event was held at the festival’s main plaza and sold out hours beforehand.

While studying at the Faculty of Commerce at Ain Shams University, Hemida was active in university theatre, performing in numerous plays before moving to state theatre and eventually establishing himself in film and television. He became widely recognized in the '90s and 2000s for his nuanced portrayal of complex characters across genres.

When Al-Khosht asked about his approach to selecting roles, Hemida explained, “I don’t choose my roles; industry contacts usually recommend me. I accept or reject a role, but actors don’t truly select their parts.”

One of Hemida’s early film roles was in Fares Al-Madina (Knight of the City, 1992) by Mohamed Khan. Reflecting on the challenges of that project, he shared, “I had to carry my character's wardrobe around for five weeks. Without an assistant, I asked if anyone could help, but Khan snapped, ‘Does he think he’s famous already?’,” Hemida laughed at the memory of his humble beginnings with the renowned director.

Hemida’s early filmography includes Al-Imbrator (The Emperor, 1990) with Ahmed Zaki and Raghda, and Al-Raaei Wal Nesaa (The Shepherd and the Women, 1991) alongside Soad Hosni and Youssra, directed by Ali Badrakhan. In 1994, he starred in Khairy Beshara’s Harb Al-Farawla (Strawberry War) and Youssef Chahine’s Al-Mohager (The Emigrant), where he appeared with Khaled Al-Nabawi, Youssra, and Safeya Al-Emari. He later reunited with Chahine for Al-Massir (The Destiny, 1997) and Al-Akhar (The Other, 1999).

Asked about working with Chahine, Hemida described him as a meticulous director with a comprehensive vision, knowing everyone’s role on set, from extras to crew, making collaboration easy.

One of Hemida’s standout roles in the '90s was in Afareit Al-Asfalt (Asphalt Demons, 1996), directed by Osama Fawzi, where he starred alongside Abdallah Mahmoud, Salwa Khattab, and Aida Abdel-Aziz. He reunited with Fawzi in Ganet Al-Shayateen (Fallen Angels’ Paradise, 1999), featuring Lebleba and Amr Waked.

Al-Khosht highlighted Hemida’s commitment to his roles, recalling how he had his front teeth pulled to fit the character. “Nowadays, many actors won’t compromise their appearance even for minor changes,” she noted. Hemida replied, “There wasn’t makeup to create the effect, so I did it for real. I believe each actor decides what’s right for their role.”

In the 2000s, Hemida starred in Baheb Al-Cima (I Love Cinema, 2004) directed by Fawzi with Laila Elwi, and in Malek wi Kettaba (Heads and Tails, 2006) by Kamla Abu-Zekri, co-starring Hind Sabry. When asked about method acting, he expressed scepticism saying, “I reject immersive methods; they feel like schizophrenia. I aim to create unique characters that didn’t exist before. It’s demanding, but, for me, acting is about invention, not imitation.”

In recent years, Hemida starred in Photocopy (2017) by Tamer Ashry and Ahl Al-Kahf (Seven Sleepers, 2024) by Amr Arafa. Besides acting, Hemida is a producer and once published a film magazine with prominent journalists and critics. He also founded a short-lived actors' studio to train emerging talent.