Scottish actor James McAvoy will be celebrated at this year’s Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) with the prestigious Cinema City Honorary Award. Introduced in 2024, the award recognises filmmakers who have made a profound contribution to the industry. Glasgow has long been a city devoted to cinema—during the 1930s, it boasted more cinemas per person than anywhere else in the UK, earning it the title of “Cinema City.” That passion for film remains alive today, with the Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) at the heart of the city’s film culture.
McAvoy, a Glasgow native, has built an impressive career spanning film, television, and theatre. From his breakout performances in Shameless and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to critically acclaimed roles in Atonement, Split, and the X-Men franchise, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility as an actor. His ability to seamlessly transition between independent films, blockbuster franchises, and stage performances has made him one of the most respected and sought-after actors of his generation.
As part of the festival’s events, McAvoy will take to the stage for an In Conversation session, where he will discuss his career, from his early days in Glasgow to his rise as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Audiences will have the unique opportunity to hear him reflect on the highs and challenges of his journey in the film industry. Following the discussion, he will introduce a special screening of The Last King of Scotland (2006), the film that launched him to international prominence with his portrayal of Dr. Nicholas Garrigan. His performance in the gripping historical drama earned him widespread acclaim, showcasing his ability to bring complex and compelling characters to life.
The Glasgow Film Festival runs from 26 February to 9 March, featuring screenings at GFT and other venues throughout the city. This year’s lineup includes 13 World and European premieres, 66 UK premieres, and 12 Scottish premieres, showcasing films from 38 different countries. The festival is organised by Glasgow Film, the charity behind GFT, and is made possible through support from Screen Scotland, the BFI Audience Projects Fund (via National Lottery funding), Glasgow Life, and EventScotland.
Tickets for The Last King of Scotland can be purchased at glasgowfilm.org or in person at the GFT Box Office (12 Rose Street, Glasgow – 0141 332 6535).
Photo credit to Carlo Paloni at BAFTA via Getty Images