Colin Farrell to Receive Golden Icon Award at Zurich Film Festival 2023
Oscar-nominated Irish actor Colin Farrell is set to be honored with the prestigious Golden Icon Award at the upcoming Zurich Film Festival, taking place from September 25 to October 5, 2023. This accolade celebrates not only Farrell’s standout performance in Edward Berger’s psychological thriller Ballad of a Small Player but also his remarkable contributions to cinema throughout his career.
The award ceremony will take place on September 27, ahead of the gala premiere of Ballad of a Small Player, which will also be attended by Swiss director and Oscar winner Edward Berger. The following day, Farrell will conduct a masterclass, sharing insights from his illustrious career with festival attendees.
Colin Farrell, born in Ireland, has captivated audiences worldwide with his performances in critically acclaimed films such as Miami Vice, Minority Report, In Bruges, The Batman, The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and The Banshees of Inisherin. He joins a prestigious list of previous Golden Icon Award recipients, including renowned actors like Kate Winslet, Jessica Chastain, Hugh Jackman, Cate Blanchett, and Hugh Grant.
Ballad of a Small Player marks Edward Berger’s third consecutive film showcased at the Zurich Film Festival, following the success of All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave. This latest project, adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel, is set in Macau and tells the gripping story of a high-stakes gambler whose past and debts begin to close in on him. As he attempts to lay low, he encounters a kindred spirit who may hold the key to his redemption.
Festival Director Christian Jungen praised Farrell, stating, “Colin Farrell is one of the most passionate and charismatic character actors in auteur cinema. He brings depth to every role, whether portraying a villain, a romantic lead, or complex characters in between. In Ballad of a Small Player, Colin captivates us as a roguish gambler, making us root for his character.”
Jungen further highlighted Farrell’s collaboration with Edward Berger, noting, “Under Berger’s direction, Colin truly reaches new heights, delivering an emotional roller coaster that elicits laughter and tears. This outstanding performance has the potential to earn him another Oscar nomination, and for his invaluable contributions to auteur cinema, we are proud to honor Colin Farrell with the Golden Icon Award.”
Expressing his gratitude, Farrell stated, “I’m thrilled to be recognized with the Golden Icon Award and to have Ballad of a Small Player featured at the Zurich Film Festival. This will be my first visit to the beautiful city of Zurich, and I’m excited to explore its streets and engage with its people. It’s both generous and humbling to have my years of dedication to filmmaking acknowledged by such a prestigious festival that celebrates cinema from around the world.”
Recently, Farrell was seen reprising his acclaimed role as Oswald Cobblepot in HBO’s The Penguin, earning him numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited Series, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Critics Choice Award. He is currently filming Season 2 of the Apple TV+ series Sugar, where he returns as private detective John Sugar.
Stay tuned for more updates on Colin Farrell’s journey at the Zurich Film Festival and his continued contributions to the world of cinema!
