At the Marrakech Film Festival on Saturday, Jodie Foster received a prestigious tribute award, marking another milestone in her extensive career. The evening included a special Martin Scorsese video message that celebrated Foster’s achievements, highlighting her influence and enduring presence in cinema.
Jodie Foster Reflects on Her Cinematic Journey
During the awards ceremony, Jodie Foster was honored on stage following a montage that revisited her iconic work, from The Silence of the Lambs to Panic Room. She accepted her trophy from the renowned director Bong Joon Ho, humorously mentioning she might ask him for an autograph. Foster expressed her astonishment at her prolonged career and said:
“Watching all these clips, I thought to myself: I’ve been doing this job for quite a while now,”
— Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster touched on her early beginnings, recalling her start in the 1960s, her experiences during the golden age of cinema in the 1970s, and her continued contributions through each ensuing decade. She reflected:
“I started in the 1960s, then I was lucky enough to experience the golden age of cinema in the 1970s. Then came the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and now we’re back in the 1970s again.”
— Jodie Foster
Continuing her speech, Foster acknowledged the passage of time and the enduring motivation behind her work:
“It’s been a very long time indeed. And yet, it’s gone by in the blink of an eye. And here I am, a little older, perhaps a little freaked out, but guided by the same love of storytelling, of bringing characters to life, of asking questions about our connections, our fragilities, our humanity.”
— Jodie Foster
Celebrating Happiness and Success
As Foster wrapped up her heartfelt message to the festival attendees, she emphasized the role happiness has played in her life and career:
“greatest success in life is being happy.”
— Jodie Foster
She continued on a lighter note, sharing a personal reflection:
“And really, even in a very silly way, I am deeply happy,”
— Jodie Foster
Referencing one of cinema’s timeless themes, she concluded:
“And as the movie said, life is beautiful.”
— Jodie Foster
Martin Scorsese Shares a Personal Tribute Through Video
Prior to Foster’s acceptance of the award, the audience experienced a touching surprise: a Martin Scorsese video message, in which the esteemed director expressed his admiration for Foster and their shared history from Taxi Driver. Scorsese stated:
“I want to congratulate you on this honor tonight in Marrakech. I only wish I could be there. You’re such an important part of my work and my career,”
— Martin Scorsese
He conveyed nostalgia for their early collaboration, recalling Foster’s confidence and talent even in her youth:
“There’s a joy in your work that you’ve created since before you could walk, actually … I’ll never forget the memory of you walking into my office at 8 or 9 years old and having more pull than anyone else in the studio at the time.”
— Martin Scorsese
New Film Premieres and Festival Highlights
Jodie Foster’s visit to the Moroccan festival was also marked by the introduction of her latest film, A Private Life, helmed by French director Rebecca Zlotowski. The film, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival, features Foster as a Parisian psychiatrist whose world shifts following the mysterious death of a patient. As she pursues her own investigation, Foster’s character seeks the truth with the support of her ex-husband.
This edition of the Marrakech Film Festival opened on Friday with appearances from stars across the globe. Bong Joon Ho is presiding over the jury, joined by notable figures such as Jenna Ortega, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Celine Song. The festival continues to get recognition for its blend of international talents and cinematic discussions.
Jodie Foster’s Love for Morocco and the Festival Community
Festival head Melita Toscan du Plantier commented on Foster’s enthusiasm for the country, saying:
“loves Morocco and wants to come back on vacation.”
— Melita Toscan du Plantier
Highlighting Foster’s personality and gratitude, Toscan du Plantier added:
“She’s very shy and she’s not much of a red carpet person, but she’s thrilled to be here and we’re very happy to have her,”
— Melita Toscan du Plantier
Cinematic Icons Gather for Festival Conversations
Guillermo del Toro, known for Frankenstein, is also being feted with a tribute award during the festival and will join Foster for in-depth conversations. Other industry leaders, including Kleber Mendonça Filho, AMPAS chief Bill Kramer, actor Laurence Fishburne, Cannes Palme d’Or recipient Jafar Panahi, and director Andrew Dominik, are set to engage with the Moroccan audience through panels and discussions about their craft.
The Martin Scorsese video message underscored the impact of long-standing collaborations and friendships in the film industry. The honor for Foster, combined with participation from figures such as Bong Joon Ho, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Celine Song, demonstrates Marrakech Film Festival’s role as a crossroads for global cinema, fostering connections and celebrating artistic excellence.
