Zahi Hawass, Laila Eloui honoured at Italy’s Marateale 2026 Film Festival
World-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass and acclaimed Egyptian actress Laila Eloui were honoured during the opening and awards ceremony of the Marateale 2026 International Film Festival in Italy, where both received prestigious awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to culture, heritage, and the arts.
Held at Maratea’s iconic open-air theatre overlooking the famous Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount San Biagio, the festival brought together thousands of guests, public figures, and media representatives from around the world.
Hawass received the festival’s highest honour, the Marateale 2026 – Basilicata International Award, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to archaeology and the preservation of Egypt’s ancient heritage. He was joined by internationally acclaimed filmmaker and producer Jeff Ross, director and producer of the documentary The Man with the Hat.
During a 30-minute discussion with a leading Italian journalist, Hawass and Ross spoke about the making of the documentary, Hawass’s international reputation, and the longstanding admiration shared between the renowned Egyptologist and the Italian people.
Presenting the award, festival organisers praised Hawass for transforming archaeology into “a great adventure shared by millions,” highlighting his landmark discoveries, remarkable energy, and charisma, as well as his role in preserving and promoting Egypt’s ancient heritage for future generations.
Hawass also received a second international award recognising distinguished global achievers. The honour carries special symbolic significance as it commemorates the legacy of the first Italian to introduce radio broadcasting in Italy.
Following the ceremony, The Man with the Hat was screened before festival audiences and received widespread acclaim.
On the sidelines of the festival, Hawass met with more than 200 Italian high school students during an open discussion in one of Maratea’s public gardens, answering questions about the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilisation and some of its most significant archaeological discoveries.
The festival also paid tribute to celebrated Egyptian actress Laila Eloui, who took to the stage following a special presentation highlighting key moments from her distinguished cinematic career.
In a conversation with a prominent Italian journalist, Eloui reflected on an artistic journey spanning more than 86 films, discussing the social impact of her work, its contribution to legislative reforms in Egypt, and her introduction to cinema as a child actress through three acclaimed films.
Eloui was presented with the festival’s honorary award, a commemorative artwork depicting the Virgin Mary, and received a standing ovation in recognition of her outstanding artistic achievements and humanitarian contributions.
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