Alia Bhatt Wins Horizon Award as Golden Globes Goes Global at Red Sea Festival
The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, held in Jeddah from December 4-13, 2025, took on a stronger global dimension when the Golden Globes presented two major honours during a high-profile gala attended by leading filmmakers and the international press.
Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, known for her acclaimed performances in Arab and international cinema, received the Omar Sharif Award , which honours the legacy of one of global cinema’s most celebrated icons. Meanwhile, Bollywood’s expanding global footprint was highlighted as Alia Bhatt accepted the Golden Globes Horizon Award , recognising her growing international influence and diverse body of work.
Representatives from the Golden Globes stated that presenting these honours at the Red Sea festival reflects a conscious effort to “bridge continents” and recognise exceptional talent beyond Hollywood. The move marks a deliberate step toward greater inclusivity, celebrating the diversity of language, geography and cinematic traditions.
By presenting its honours at an international festival outside the U.S., the Golden Globes signals that cinematic excellence now transcends Hollywood, spanning continents, cultures and languages. This elevates the significance of global festivals like the Red Sea International Film Festival. Alia Bhatt’s Horizon Award reinforces Bollywood’s international reach, while Hend Sabry’s recognition spotlights Arab cinema, which often remains overshadowed by Western narratives.
As global festivals gain prestige through such acknowledgements, filmmakers may unlock greater opportunities for cross-regional collaborations, co-productions and distribution. With the Golden Globes honouring international stars, other award bodies may follow, paving the way for truly global award seasons that embrace non-English and regional films. This growing recognition for Arab and Indian talent could drive wider distribution, higher viewership and stronger investment in these film industries.
For Alia Bhatt, the Horizon Award may serve as a springboard for more international projects, while for Hend Sabry, it represents long-overdue global recognition for a career that has resonated across cultures. For audiences in India and the Arab world, the honours are a moment of pride, reflecting the growing visibility of their stories on the world stage.
Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, known for her acclaimed performances in Arab and international cinema, received the Omar Sharif Award , which honours the legacy of one of global cinema’s most celebrated icons. Meanwhile, Bollywood’s expanding global footprint was highlighted as Alia Bhatt accepted the Golden Globes Horizon Award , recognising her growing international influence and diverse body of work.
Representatives from the Golden Globes stated that presenting these honours at the Red Sea festival reflects a conscious effort to “bridge continents” and recognise exceptional talent beyond Hollywood. The move marks a deliberate step toward greater inclusivity, celebrating the diversity of language, geography and cinematic traditions.
By presenting its honours at an international festival outside the U.S., the Golden Globes signals that cinematic excellence now transcends Hollywood, spanning continents, cultures and languages. This elevates the significance of global festivals like the Red Sea International Film Festival. Alia Bhatt’s Horizon Award reinforces Bollywood’s international reach, while Hend Sabry’s recognition spotlights Arab cinema, which often remains overshadowed by Western narratives.
As global festivals gain prestige through such acknowledgements, filmmakers may unlock greater opportunities for cross-regional collaborations, co-productions and distribution. With the Golden Globes honouring international stars, other award bodies may follow, paving the way for truly global award seasons that embrace non-English and regional films. This growing recognition for Arab and Indian talent could drive wider distribution, higher viewership and stronger investment in these film industries.
For Alia Bhatt, the Horizon Award may serve as a springboard for more international projects, while for Hend Sabry, it represents long-overdue global recognition for a career that has resonated across cultures. For audiences in India and the Arab world, the honours are a moment of pride, reflecting the growing visibility of their stories on the world stage.
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