Jodie Foster Looks Back on 60 Years in Film at Marrakech Film Festival Following Unexpected Video Message from Martin Scorsese: 'My Biggest Achievement is Finding Happiness'

Jodie Foster was celebrated with a special tribute at the Marrakech Film Festival on Saturday. During her acceptance speech, she reflected warmly on her six decades in the film industry. A montage of her most iconic performances, including The Silence of the Lambs and Panic Room, was shown before she gracefully took the stage to receive her award.

Foster shared, Watching all these clips, I realized just how long Ive been part of this world. I began in the 1960s, experienced the golden era of the 1970s, and then journeyed through the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and now it feels like the 1970s again. She added, Its been a long journey, yet it has passed in a flash. Here I am, slightly older and perhaps a bit startled, but still driven by a passion for storytelling and exploring human connections.

She concluded her heartfelt remarks by emphasizing happiness: My greatest achievement is being happy. Truly, even in a playful sense, I am profoundly happy. As the movie said, life is beautiful.

Before the award was presented, Foster received a surprise video message from Martin Scorsese, director of Taxi Driver. Scorsese praised her influence on his work and recalled her childhood determination: Theres a joy in your work that began before you could even walk. Ill never forget you entering my office as a child and already having more presence than anyone else in the studio.

The actress also attended to promote her latest project, A Private Life, directed by Rebecca Zlotowski. In this French comedy-thriller, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, Foster portrays a Parisian psychiatrist investigating the suspicious death of a former patient, with assistance from her ex-husband.

This was Fosters first appearance at the Marrakech Film Festival, which opened on Friday with numerous stars in attendance. Bong Joon Ho, director of Parasite, serves as the president of this years jury, joined by Jenna Ortega, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Celine Song.

Festival head Melita Toscan du Plantier told Variety, Foster adores Morocco and hopes to return for a vacation. Shes not a typical red carpet attendee but is thrilled to be here, and were delighted to have her.

Other filmmakers receiving honors include Guillermo del Toro, who, along with Foster, will take part in discussions at the festival. Additional participants include Kleber Mendona Filho, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer, Laurence Fishburne, Jafar Panahi, and Andrew Dominik.

Author: Sophia Brooks