Cinema City Honorary Award

Hero Image

Rich Text

Cinema City Honorary Award

Cinema City Honorary Award Info

Launched in 2024, the Cinema City Honorary Award recognises filmmakers who have made an outstanding contribution to cinema. In the 1930s, Glasgow was home to more cinemas per person than anywhere else in the UK and became affectionately known as the Cinema City. The city’s passion for film has burned brightly ever since, with Glasgow Film Theatre at its heart.

GFF25

GFF25 - James McAvoy

On 2 March 2025, Glasgow Film Festival presented its Cinema City Honorary Award to homegrown film star James McAvoy. With a career spanning film, TV and the stage, James’ journey from Glasgow to Hollywood is testament to his depth and versatility as an actor. His steadfast commitment to storytelling has left an indelible mark on cinema.

James attended the festival to receive the award and also participated in an In Conversation event, looking back at his career. The talk was followed by a special screening of his breakthrough role in film as Dr Nicolas Garrigan in Kevin McDonald’s compelling fiction debut The Last King of Scotland (2006), introduced by James.

Image centered

Photography credit: Eoin Carey

line break

GFF24

GFF24 - Viggo Mortensen

Following a sold-out In Conversation event at Glasgow Film Theatre, three-times Oscar nominee Viggo Mortensen was presented with the festival's inaugural Cinema City Honorary Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema. This new annual award was launched as part of Glasgow Film’s Year of Celebrations with 2024 marking 85 years since the cinema was built, 50 years since Glasgow Film Theatre was founded and the 20th edition of Glasgow Film Festival.

Image centered

Photography credit: Eoin Carey

Funders and Charity Info

Footer