150 Films, 4 Oscar Noms, and Now a Sarajevo Honor — But That’s Not Why I Admire Willem Dafoe
He makes even the weirdest roles work.
Some actors chase fame — Dafoe chases something else. That’s why following him has always felt special to me.With over 150 films behind him and four Oscar nominations, Dafoe has done everything from Marvel villains to intimate arthouse experiments. But he’s always stayed true to himself — and that’s something I really respect.
There’s one quote from Dafoe I keep thinking about — it really captures what makes him so different, at least for me:
"I've always loved the idea of trying to fail. Try to make a bad painting, to act badly. It kind of puts an idea of striving to perfection. You're gonna find ways to let you not worry and be free. That's all."
This space is usually about cinema, not philosophy. But still, in a world where everything feels like a race, maybe that thought helps you.
That’s probably why news of him receiving the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo this month felt like something worth pausing over. It’s a lifetime achievement award, yes — but also a moment to recognise a career that’s never chased the usual path.
He returns to the Sarajevo Film Festival after 25 years, this time not just as a guest, but as a master — holding a workshop for young filmmakers, sharing stories and thoughts on the craft.
The festival’s organisers said it best: "His characters are always complex, emotional and unforgettable." Hard to argue with that. And if you’ve seen even a handful of his films, you’ll know exactly what they mean.
The Sarajevo Film Festival runs from August 15 to 22, and along with Dafoe, this year’s Honorary Heart recipients include Stellan Skarsgård and Ray Winstone.
