In a dazzling celebration of cinema, the Golden Globes made their mark in Cairo, honoring two of Egypt’s most beloved stars, Yousra and Hussein Fahmy, with the inaugural Omar Sharif Award.
The award ceremony took place on November 20, 2024, at a glamorous gala dinner at the Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel, coinciding with the 45th Cairo International Film Festival. This event marked a significant moment in the celebration of Middle Eastern cinema.
HELEN HOEHNE (PRESIDENT GOLDEN GLOBES) AND YASMINE SHIHATA (CEO & FOUNDER OF FOUNDER OF ENIGMA MAGAZINE) IMAGE: ENIGMA MAGAZINE
Helen Hoehne, President of the Golden Globes, has been instrumental in leading one of the most prestigious entertainment awards in the world since joining in 2004. Under her visionary leadership, the Golden Globes have undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding their size, diversity, and global reach.
Helen is widely recognized for her commitment to enhancing diverse representation and promoting ethical governance within the industry. Before becoming President, she enjoyed a successful career in journalism and media in Germany and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Golden Globe Foundation.
I had the pleasure of meeting Helen in person at an exclusive Enigma Magazine event in Beverly Hills, where her grace and professionalism left a lasting impression. Helen embodies class and sophistication; her approachability and passion for the industry resonate with everyone she meets.
The Omar Sharif Award is a prestigious recognition designed to celebrate lifetime achievements of individuals who have significantly impacted entertainment and production in the Middle East.
Helen Hoehne expressed her heartfelt sentiments about this award: “We are honored to present the Omar Sharif Award, celebrating outstanding achievements in Arab cinema and paying tribute to Omar’s remarkable legacy as a pioneering Egyptian artist. The Middle East has long been a thriving center for film and television production, influencing the global stage.”
Omar Sharif remains an indelible figure in cinema history as the first Egyptian actor to win a Golden Globe, with three awards to his name for his performances in Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.
Yousra, a talented actress and singer with a career spanning decades, was honored with this inaugural award. She expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition: “I am deeply honored and touched to be a recipient of this award named after my close friend Omar Sharif. It is even more special to share this inaugural award with Hussein Fahmy, an incomparable talent and leader in the Egyptian film industry.”
Hussein Fahmy, celebrated for his extensive work across film, television, and theater, also spoke passionately about the award’s significance: “I have been fortunate to have a career that has earned many accolades, but this Omar Sharif Award from the Golden Globes is truly one that I will forever cherish and be grateful for. It is not only a recognition of one man’s career but also the growth and importance of Egypt and the rest of the Middle East and Africa as a premier filmmaking region.”
Yasmine Shihata, Founder and CEO of Enigma Magazine, played a pivotal role in organizing this spectacular event. With over two decades of experience in media and PR, Yasmine is a recognized leader in the Middle East’s lifestyle and entertainment scene. During her speech, she thanked Helen for her commitment: “Helen, thank you so much for flying in for 24 hours from Los Angeles to be here to honor our amazing superstars, Yousra and Hussein Fahmy. It’s so touching to see you all in this room on this very special night.”
Yasmine emphasized how significant it was to host such an iconic ceremony in Egypt—a country rich in cinematic history—and acknowledged everyone involved in making it a reality.
This event was not only a milestone for Yousra and Hussein Fahmy but also for the entire Middle Eastern film industry. The recognition from the Golden Globes signifies a shift towards greater global acknowledgment of artists from the MENA region.
The inaugural Omar Sharif Award is set to become a landmark occasion that honors the cultural impact of Middle Eastern cinema on a worldwide scale. It’s an exciting time as we witness this kind of recognition for talented artists in the region!
YASMINE SHIHATA (CEO & FOUNDER OF FOUNDER OF ENIGMA MAGAZINE), EGYPTIAN SUPERSTAR YOUSRA, & HELEN HOEHNE ( PRESIDENT GOLDEN GLOBES) IMAGE: ENIGMA MAGAZINE
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