Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen is set to receive the prestigious Golden Eye Award for career achievement at the Zurich Film Festival’s 19th edition. The award will be presented to him on October 6, followed by the screening of his new film, “The Promised Land,” in which he plays the role of Captain Ludvig Kahlen. Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, the film tells the story of Kahlen’s attempts to make an uninhabitable land fertile and defend it against thieves in the 18th century.
In addition to the screening, Mikkelsen will also hold a masterclass at the festival, where he will discuss his film and his career. Zurich’s artistic director, Christian Jungen, praised Mikkelsen as a charismatic actor who completely immerses himself in his characters and captivates the audience with his looks and physical performances. Jungen also highlighted Mikkelsen’s ability to portray strength and vulnerability simultaneously, making him a leading actor capable of carrying films from start to finish.
Mikkelsen has had a versatile career, working extensively in both Europe and North America. He received a BAFTA nomination and a European Film Award for his work in “Another Round” (2020), which marked his return to Danish cinema. This was his second collaboration with filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg, following their successful partnership in “The Hunt” (2013), for which Mikkelsen won the Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Recently, Mikkelsen starred alongside Harrison Ford in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” He has also appeared in notable films such as “Arctic,” “Polar,” “Doctor Strange,” and “Casino Royale.” In recognition of his contributions to World Cinema, he received the European Film Award in 2011 and served as the president of the Cannes jury in 2016.
The Zurich Film Festival will take place from September 28 to October 8, providing a platform for showcasing exceptional cinematic works from around the world. It is an exciting opportunity for Mikkelsen to be honored with the Golden Eye Award and to share his insights and experiences with the festival audience during his masterclass. It will undoubtedly be a memorable event for fans of Mikkelsen and cinema enthusiasts alike.
