Buscemi honoured by Mallorca Evolution

The 14th edition of Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival got off to a starry start yesterday, with a gala awards ceremony ahead of us opening night of Sundays (Los Domingos), which won the Golden Shell at this year's San Sebastian Film Festival.

Festival director Sandra Lipski said: “We have grown with passion and consistency to become a solid cultural brand and a Mediterranean reference.

Steve Buscemi recieves his award from Colm Meaney Photo: Amber Wilkinson

“With the support of our partner institutions, we are elevating Mallorca’s cultural landscape. Our reach is international, thanks to the outstanding content and the presence of world-class guests. But at Evolution, we also champion new talent. We love blending experience and recognition with financial awards for emerging voices – to support and project them.”

Steve Buscemi, who stars alongside John Magaro in Tolga Karaçelik's Psychotherapy at the festival, was among those picking up an accolade, taking home the Evolution Icon Award. The prize was presented to him by fellow actor Colm Meaney – who started alongside Buscemi in Conair.

Regarding the Coen brothers regular’s onscreen roles he said: “He made The Hudsucker Proxy, Barton Fink, Miller’s Crossing, Fargo and The Big Lebowski. Each one is a part of modern film history and in every single one, Steve leaves an indelible mark.”

He also noted Buscemi’s dedication to helping others in the real world. He said: “What makes Steve iconic isn’t just his talent, it’s humility, his dedication and his consistency.

“Beyond the screen Steve is a man of profound integrity.

Ingrid García-Jonsson Photo: Amber Wilkinson

"Many of you might not know that he was once a New York City firefighter and after 911, he quietly returned to his old firehouse, working 12-hour shifts side-by-side with his colleagues searching for survivors. There was no press, no applause, just compassion and courage.”

The audience gave Buscemi a long ovation and he said: “You know when I was in the press line today someone asked me, ‘How does it feel to win a lifetime achievement award?’ I said, ‘I didn’t know it was a lifetime achievement award. No, it’s an Icon award’. It made me think… I still have more to achieve.”

Also honoured on the night was young Swedish-Spanish star Ingrid García-Jonsson. The star, whose work includes Beautiful Youth (2014) and Nacho Vigalondo’s recent mini-series Superstar, was given the Evolution New Talent Award. Dedicating the award to her team, she said: “Cinema creates families.”

Phedon Papamichal with his award Photo: Amber Wilkinson

The festival has a keen interest in celebrating the craft of filmmaking off screen as well as on. Phedon Papamichael was also among the award recipients. The cinematographer, whose work has featured a string of James Mangold films, including A Complete Unknown as well as other hits including The Descendants, said the award was “very special” and noted that it’s important to “acknowledge the next generation of filmmakers”.

The opening gala at Palma’s Palau de Congressos concluded with the screening of Sundays, introduced by its DoP Bet Rourich.