World-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass and acclaimed Egyptian actress Laila Eloui received awards at the Marateale 2026 International Film Festival in Italy on July 25 for their contributions to culture and heritage.
The ceremony took place at Maratea’s open-air theatre overlooking the Christ the Redeemer statue. Hawass was presented with the Marateale 2026 – Basilicata International Award and a second honour linked to the legacy of Italy’s first radio broadcaster. He also discussed the documentary The Man with the Hat alongside its director Jeff Ross and later met more than 200 Italian high school students.
Laila Eloui received the festival’s honorary award, a commemorative artwork depicting the Virgin Mary, following a presentation of highlights from her career of more than 86 films. She spoke about the social impact of her work and received a standing ovation.
The documentary The Man with the Hat was screened to festival audiences after the awards.
