The 23rd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled for November 20-28, 2026, will pay tribute to three major figures in cinema and culture: American actors Jeff Goldblum and John Turturro, and Moroccan artist Younes Megri.
According to the event’s organizers, the festival aims to celebrate the careers of these three individuals – each with a unique path – noting their diversity, artistic freedom, and ability to resonate across generations.
Through this tribute, the Marrakech International Film Festival highlights three distinct artistic trajectories, all united by a shared creative liberty – spanning from Hollywood to the Moroccan scene and the broader international film landscape.
Jeff Goldblum has established himself as one of the most recognisable figures in American cinema. His distinctive acting style and offbeat humour have left their mark on films such as ‘The Fly’, ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Independence Day’, and ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’.
He also appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and, more recently, in ‘Wicked’ and ‘Wicked: For Good’, in which he plays the Wizard of Oz. Beyond film, Goldblum is active in theatre and television. A passionate pianist, he also pursues a career in jazz with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra; their fifth album, ‘Night Blooms’, was released in June 2026.
“It is an immense joy and a true privilege to receive a tribute at the prestigious Marrakech International Film Festival,” the actor stated, further describing Marrakech as a city “deeply rooted in the traditions of storytelling and craftsmanship.”
Another major figure to be honoured this year by the Marrakech International Film Festival is John Turturro, whose career spanning over forty years will also be celebrated. Renowned for the diversity of his roles and his affinity for complex characters, the American actor has notably collaborated with Spike Lee and the Coen brothers.
His performance in ‘Barton Fink’ earned him the Best Actor award at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. Widely recognized by the general public for his role as Jesus Quintana in ‘The Big Lebowski’, John Turturro also received an Emmy Award for his guest appearance on ‘Monk’ and has delivered notable performances in several television productions, including ‘The Night of’ and ‘Severance’.
The artist expressed that he was “honoured” to receive this distinction in Marrakech, noting that cinema has the power to “bring us together” and open “windows into other worlds.”
Also being honoured is a key figure in the Moroccan artistic scene, Younes Megri, who first gained prominence as a singer and composer before building a career in film.
His 1972 song “Lili Twil” was a major success, earning him a gold record. His musical journey later
took him to various international stages, including the Olympia in Paris.
From the late 1980s onward, Younes Megri also turned to cinema, working both as an actor and as a film composer. His screen credits include ‘Ali, Rabiaa and the Others…’, ‘Satan’s Angels’, ‘Moroccan Symphony’, and ‘The Orchestra of the Blind’ – a film for which he received several international accolades.
“I never left music for cinema; I simply changed instruments,” Megri remarked regarding the tribute planned for him in the “Ochre City.”
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