Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, appointed as a jury member for the 21st Marrakech International Film Festival, shared the stage with global jurors including Andrew Garfield, Jacob Elordi and others. Many pictures of the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara director from the inauguration ceremony are going viral. Taking place from November 29 to December 7, Akhtar will be part of the prestigious jury that will select the winner of the Etoile d’Or, the prestigious award for best film in the competition.

Akhtar’s selection as a jury member for the festival highlights his growing prominence on the global stage. Her accolades include an Emmy Award nomination, a NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film and premieres at renowned festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. Akhtar is also the creator of the critically acclaimed series Made in Heaven (2019) and the director of The Archies (2023).

Here are his photos from the stage:

The jury includes some of the other most renowned names in global cinema such as Iranian director Ali Abbasi, American actor Patricia Arquette, Belgian actress Virginie Efira, Australian actor Jacob Elordi, British-American actor Andrew Garfield, Moroccan actress Nadia Kounda and Argentinian director Santiago Miter. , The jury will be chaired by Italian director Luca Guadagnino.

Celebrating global artists, diverse cinematic voices and Moroccan culture, the festival opens on Friday, November 29. The opening ceremony unveiled a nine-member jury panel comprising leading international talent from nine countries across five continents, showcasing cinema’s universal appeal.