Syriac Maronite actor Georges Khabbaz wins Best Actor Award at Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, awarded Silver Lebanese Order of Merit by President Aoun

BEIRUT — In a remarkable career achievement, Lebanese Syriac Maronite actor and director Georges Khabbaz has been awarded Best Actor at the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival for his leading role in Younan, directed by Amir Fakhreddine. The film also earned the prestigious Best Film award at the festival.

This marks Khabbaz’s third Best Actor win at the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, while Younan has already garnered a total of eight international awards.

In recognition of his exceptional artistic contributions, President Joseph Aoun presented Khabbaz with the Silver Lebanese Order of Merit, commending his creative portrayal of Lebanon’s social, intellectual, and historical realities.

الرئيس عون منح الفنان جورج خباز وسام الاستحقاق اللبناني الفضي، تقديرًا لعطاءاته الفنية المميّزة، وأعماله الإبداعية التي جسّدت الواقع الاجتماعي اللبناني بأبعاده الفكرية والتاريخية. pic.twitter.com/KBXRfMNDWL

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) June 5, 2025

Born in Batroun into a family deeply rooted in the arts, Khabbaz inherited his talents from his father, actor Georges Khabbaz Sr., and his mother, celebrated singer Odette Atiyeh. With a strong foundation in theater and music, Khabbaz has directed numerous musical plays and delivered outstanding performances across television and cinema, cementing his status as a cultural icon in Lebanon and beyond.