The Mediterrane Film Festival’s Golden Bee Awards are poised to recognize prominent figures in the entertainment industry this weekend. A highlight of the festivities will be the presentation of the inaugural Rising Star Award to Barbie Ferreira, the acclaimed actress from HBO’s “Euphoria,” during the closing night gala ceremony in Malta. This honor celebrates not only her notable performances but also her promising future contributions to cinema. The event is a grand celebration of cinematic excellence and Malta’s rich history in filmmaking.
The Malta Film Commission has announced an impressive roster of attendees for the gala, including esteemed actors such as Anna Camp, Chris Perfetti, Karen Pittman, and Jared Harris. Other distinguished guests like Edmund Donovan, Joaquim De Almeida, Jon Watts, Kerry Ingram, Jake Schreier, Charlese Antoinette, Rick Carter, and Bailey Bass will also grace the occasion. Furthermore, prominent industry leaders, including Gráinne Humphreys, Adrian Wootton (British film commissioner), Johann Grech (Malta film commissioner), and Beverly Cutajar (chairperson of the Malta film commission), along with Yolanthe Cabau, will participate.
Beyond the Rising Star accolade for Ferreira, the Golden Bee Awards will acknowledge excellence across numerous categories. These include awards for best feature film, outstanding performance, exceptional screenwriting, people’s choice, and jury’s choice. Special recognitions such as the Mare Nostrum award, a lifetime achievement award, a career achievement award, and the Malta film legend award will also be bestowed, celebrating diverse contributions to the art of filmmaking.
Ferreira’s recognition as a rising star comes on the heels of her impactful roles in “Euphoria,” “The Afterparty,” “Unpregnant,” “Nope,” and “Bob Trevino Likes It,” as well as her upcoming project “House of Spoils.” Her future endeavors include starring roles in “Faces of Death” and “Mile End Kicks.” Ray Calleja, the director of the Mediterrane Film Festival, lauded Ferreira as an embodiment of the fearless talent the festival aims to highlight, praising her distinctive voice and compelling screen presence that resonate with contemporary storytellers. He emphasized that her burgeoning career is expected to significantly influence the future landscape of cinema.
This year’s festival marks a significant milestone, commemorating a century of filmmaking on the island nation of Malta. The country has recently served as a picturesque backdrop for major Hollywood productions, including “Jurassic World Rebirth” and “Gladiator II,” underscoring its growing importance in the global film industry. The Mediterrane Film Festival, established in 2023 to honor cinematic achievements and creative endeavors from the Mediterranean region and beyond, is currently underway in Malta from June 21-29, operating under the inspiring theme “We Are Film.”