Cate Blanchett is the festival's guest of honour for its 8th edition, which runs from 16 to 24 October in the Red Sea city of El Gouna.
She will also receive the inaugural Champion of Humanity Award during the El Gouna Film Festival.
The two-time Academy Award winner and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Cate Blanchett, will participate in a series of festival events, including an "In Conversation" session.
"Cate Blanchett's remarkable career stands as a testament to her extraordinary range and depth as an actress. From her acclaimed performances in Elizabeth, Carol, and Tàr, to her Academy Award roles in The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, she has consistently earned critical acclaim. She is celebrated for her stage career, having served as co-artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company, and is also co-founder and partner of her own production company, Dirty Films, with numerous producing credits for award-winning film and television productions," reads the festival's press release.
As a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, since 2016, Blanchett has utilised her platform to raise global awareness of refugee issues and mobilise action, becoming a deeply informed and thoughtful advocate for displaced people worldwide.
"She has undertaken missions to refugee camps and host communities in Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, South Sudan, Niger, and Brazil to listen to stories and highlight the urgent need for support. In 2018, she was recognised for her work with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum."
Raya Abirached
At the CineGouna Forum, Blanchett will share insights into her humanitarian endeavours and artistic journey in an "In Conversation" with fellow Goodwill Ambassador, Raya Abirached.
Abirached, a renowned Lebanese television presenter, journalist, and media personality, is known for her engaging interviewing style.
She has gained widespread recognition for hosting Scoop with Raya, a popular entertainment news show that highlights celebrities and major events from Hollywood and the Arab world. Abirached's ability to connect with her audience and her guests has made her a prominent figure in the region's media landscape.
Beyond her work in entertainment journalism, she is also respected for her contributions to cultural dialogue and her advocacy for greater representation of Arab voices in international media.
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