Matt Dillon, one of the most important actors of American cinema, received the Golden Alexander Award at the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival. In his speech he emphasized: “The first word I learned in Greek is hospitality, and this is the experience I had here in Greece.”
“I am very grateful to be here at this really beautiful Festival and in a beautiful city,” said the American actor and director. “It is a great honor to receive the award, thank you for inviting me” he underlined.
“I’m only as good as the people I’ve worked with. I’m only as good as the directors I’ve worked with. It’s a blessing to have a good career and work with so many good people,” Matt Dillon noted, adding that it’s a truly wonderful gift.
The award was presented to Matt Dillon by Themis Bazaka, whom the artistic director of the Film Festival, Orestis Andreadakis, described as a great actress, the most cinematic Greek actress of our days.
An old and faithful friend of the Thessaloniki Film Festival, who in recent years also serves as a member of its board of directors, emphasized Mr. Andreadakis.
Themis Bazaka praised the great actor
“Tonight we will honor a great actor who has moved us, captivated us, captivated us, an iconic actor. Matt Dillon incarnated a number of iconic heroes in his career and made them part of the world’s cinematic mythology with his talent,” said Themis Bazaka and thanked him for his fiery talent and the magic he brought to our cinematic journeys.
Themis Bazaka with Matt Dillon
As Ms. Bazzaca said, presenting milestone films in Matt Dillon’s career, right from the beginning, he collaborated with one of the holy monsters of the seventh art, Francis Ford Coppola, with “Outsiders” and “Mismatched” and was identified in one of the most fertile traditions of American fiction, that of the unhinged and uncompromising hero who cruises through life at full throttle.
“Of course, one cannot forget his performance in a landmark film for American independent cinema, the masterpiece ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ by Gus Van Sant. There he secured his place in the pantheon of the best actors from cinema,” he added.
Memorable roles in a number of enjoyable films will follow, in which, according to the actress, Dillon will reveal an impressive range of performances. Among others the legendary comedy of the Farrelly brothers “Something’s wrong with Mary”, “Crash” by Paul Haggis, where he will be nominated for an Oscar for his amazing performance, “Factorum” in which he uniquely embodied Charles Bukowski, ” House That Jack Built” by Lars Von Trier and in Giorgos Lanthimos’ short film Mimic.
In 2002 in “City of Ghosts”, his first directorial effort, he proved that he is an inspired creator. “Having apprenticed alongside some of the greatest directors in the history of cinema, cinematographer Dillon presents us with a complete artist, behind and in front of the camera, as he simultaneously stars in the film, his. Tonight we honor you Matt Dillon for all the great and beautiful and great things you have contributed to the art we love and at the same time we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful journeys and magical dreams you offered us with your fiery talent. Thank you so much Matt for all the magic you brought to our cinematic journeys,” Ms. Bazaka underlined.
After the awarding of the honorary Golden Alexander, the film “City of Ghosts” (2002) was shown, which marked the debut of Matt Dillon as a director and as a screenwriter.
Source: RES
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**Interview with Matt Dillon at the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival**
**Interviewer**: Matt, congratulations on receiving the Golden Alexander Award at the Thessaloniki Film Festival! How does it feel to be honored here in Greece?
**Matt Dillon**: Thank you so much! It’s truly humbling to receive this award. The first word I learned in Greek was “hospitality,” and my experience here has been a testament to that. It’s such a beautiful festival in a beautiful city, and I’m incredibly grateful to be here.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the influence of your collaborators in your speech. Can you share more about how they have shaped your career?
**Matt Dillon**: Absolutely. I believe I’m only as good as the people I work with—directors, fellow actors, and the entire crew. I’ve been blessed to work alongside so many talented individuals throughout my career. It’s a gift that I cherish deeply.
**Interviewer**: Themis Bazaka spoke highly of your contributions to cinema, calling you an iconic actor. How does it feel to be recognized in such high regard?
**Matt Dillon**: It’s an incredible honor. I’ve always strived to bring depth to the characters I portray, and knowing that they resonate with others is fulfilling. The fact that I can be part of cinematic mythology is something I could never have imagined.
**Interviewer**: You have a diverse range of roles in your filmography, from drama to comedy. What drives your choices as an actor?
**Matt Dillon**: I’m drawn to characters that challenge me and tell unique stories. Each role is an opportunity to explore different facets of humanity, and that’s what keeps me passionate about acting. It’s about the journey, both for me and the audience.
**Interviewer**: What’s next for you after this festival?
**Matt Dillon**: I’m excited to keep exploring new projects. I recently worked on “Being Maria,” which I hope people will connect with in meaningful ways. Each new endeavor is an adventure, and I look forward to what lies ahead.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Matt, for sharing your thoughts with us, and congratulations once again!
**Matt Dillon**: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
