Egyptian actress Mona Zaki will be honored with the Creative Achievement Award during the opening ceremony of the ninth Gouna Film Festival, scheduled for October 15, 2026.
The honor recognizes her long-standing career and contributions to Egyptian and Arab cinema, as well as her work across television and theater.
Zaki expressed her happiness at receiving the award, emphasizing that acting has never been simply a profession for her. Instead, she sees it as a way to explore different worlds and tell stories about women and characters that have deeply affected her.
Mona Zaki: Acting Has Always Been a Way to Explore Different Worlds
Mona Zaki said that she has never viewed acting merely as a profession, describing it as her way of inhabiting different worlds and telling stories about women who have touched her emotionally.
She added that spending her life doing something she loves is a gift in itself. According to Zaki, receiving the Creative Achievement Award is a reminder that the stories she has presented throughout her career have managed to leave a meaningful impact.
She also expressed her gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed her commitment to presenting authentic stories inspired by Arab realities and experiences.
Mona Zaki’s Major Works Across Cinema, Television and Theater
The honor comes during the ninth edition of the Gouna Film Festival, which is scheduled to take place from October 15 to 23, 2026.
Zaki began acting at an early age, moving between theater, television and cinema throughout her career. One of her early theater experiences was the play «Bel Araby El Faseeh» with actor Mohamed Sobhi.
She later moved into television and cinema, with one of her notable early film appearances coming in «Laugh, the Picture Comes Out Nice», alongside Ahmed Zaki and Sanaa Gamil.
Her filmography later included «Sa'eedi in the American University», «First Love», «Days of Sadat», «Blood of the Gazelle», «Tell Me, Shahrazad», and «Moon Walls», followed by more recent projects such as «Voyage 404» and «El Set».
Praise for Mona Zaki’s Diverse Career
Andrew Mohsen, the artistic director of the Gouna Film Festival, praised the diversity that has characterized Mona Zaki’s career.
He noted that she has not limited herself to one type of role or relied solely on her television success. Her move into production, he added, reflects her belief in the value of cinema and the role artists can play in developing the film industry.
Mona Zaki is scheduled to officially receive the Creative Achievement Award during the opening ceremony of the ninth Gouna Film Festival on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
What award will Mona Zaki receive at the Gouna Film Festival?
She will receive the Creative Achievement Award in recognition of her career and artistic contributions.
When will Mona Zaki receive the award?
She is scheduled to receive the award during the festival’s opening ceremony on October 15, 2026.
What are some of Mona Zaki’s notable works?
Her notable works include «Sa'eedi in the American University», «Days of Sadat», «Blood of the Gazelle», «Tell Me, Shahrazad», «Moon Walls», and «Voyage 404».
Which areas of entertainment has Mona Zaki worked in?
Mona Zaki has worked across theater, television and cinema, taking on a wide range of roles throughout her career.
