ACC presents its annual Achievement Award For Film Critics Nadim Jarjoura, Peter Bradshaw

The Arab Cinema Center (ACC) has announced the two recipients of this year's Achievement Award for Film Critics who are Lebanese critic Nadim Jarjoura and British critic Peter Bradshaw, both in recognition of their outstanding professional careers.

 

 

 

These two much lauded critics are scheduled to receive their awards during a ceremony held at Cannes’ Marche Du Film during the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival — set to take place in France from May 14th to May 25th — with both critics contributing an article each to the 22nd issue of the Arab Cinema Magazine.

 

 

The ACC’s annual Critics Awards for Arab Films not only corrals more than 200 film critics from around the world to select the the greatest achievements in Arab filmmaking, it also uses the occasion to celebrate the film critics themselves.

 

 

In a statement, Bradshaw accepted the award saying, “I am beyond thrilled and delighted to accept this award. For me, criticism is an act of intellectual and emotional engagement, an act of commitment, and an act of love. So to be recognized as a critic by the Arab Cinema Center is a wonderful thing.”

 

Meanwhile, Nadim commented, “A recognition granted to an Arab film critic by a cinema center primarily focused on Arab cinema indicates the significance and importance of film criticism in a center that prioritizes — among several other aspects — one of the key facets of the film industry... I am certainly honored by the recognition, and I am pleased that it comes from the Arab Cinema Center specifically; an organization I have so many shared interests with.”

 

 

 

About Peter Bradshaw:

 

 

Peter Bradshaw has been the chief film critic of The Guardian in London since 1999; a position that firmly placed him at the center of the British film industry, documenting and influencing the discourse surrounding it with his weekly poignant and in-depth commentary. As a testament to his influence on the film critiquing scene, Bradshaw is regularly invited to grace the carpets of the Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Edinburgh, London, Rotterdam, Lisbon, Rio, and Donostia San Sebastian international film festivals.  

Born in the English village of Letchmore Heath, just a half-hour’s drive from London, Bradshaw went to school in Elstree; very close to Elstree Studios, where THE SHINING, STAR WARS, and many other films were being made while he was growing up. From there he went to Cambridge University, where he studied English Literature (film studies were not on offer at Cambridge in those days, and surprisingly not on offer now either!) before supplementing his degree with further studies at the Arts Cinema, where he busied himself with the great works of Tati, Coppola, Scorsese, Bergman, and Ozu.

After graduating with an MA and a PhD in literature, he went to work as a columnist for the London Evening Standard and then as chief film critic for The Guardian. Since then, he has published a collection of his critical essays and reviews, THE FILMS THAT MADE ME (2019), along with three novels — LUCKY BABY JESUS (1999), DR. SWEET AND HIS DAUGHTER (2003), and NIGHT OF TRIUMPH (2013) — and a collection of short fiction stories, THE BODY IN THE MOBILE LIBRARY & OTHER STORIES (2024). He also appears regularly on British TV and radio.

 

 

 

 

About Nadim Jarjoura:

 

 

 

 

Nadim Jarjoura is a highly respected Lebanese journalist, author, and film critic currently working at the esteemed Arabic daily newspaper and website The New Arab. His insightful articles and in-depth studies have gained recognition and have been prominently featured in various distinguished Arab magazines across Lebanon, Kuwait, Oman, France, and Qatar.

Notably, Jarjoura has contributed as an esteemed author to several books focusing on Lebanese and Arab cinema, delving into their cultural significance and impact. His expertise extends beyond the written word, as he has actively participated in the field of cinema through various engagements and events.

In 2018, Jarjoura took part in a symposium on Lebanese cinema at the Guanajuato International Film Festival in Mexico, showcasing his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject. He also chaired the short film competition jury at the Jerusalem Arab Film Festival, showcasing his discerning eye and expertise in evaluating cinematic works.

Furthermore, his involvement in the 2019 Human Rights Film Festival in Amman, Jordan, as a member of the Feature Film Competition’s jury demonstrates his commitment to promoting cinema that addresses important social and humanitarian issues.

Jarjoura's contributions extend beyond regional boundaries as well. In 2011, he served as a member of the International Critics Association’s (FIPRESCI) jury for Arab Documentary Films at the prestigious Dubai International Film Festival, further solidifying his international standing in the field.

 

 

 

With his extensive experience, profound knowledge, and passion for cinema, Jarjoura continues to make significant contributions to the world of film criticism and analysis, leaving an indelible mark on the Lebanese and Arab film industry.