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Meg Ryan recently took center stage at the Sarajevo Film Festival, where she was honored with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award on Tuesday, August 20.
The 62-year-old, who has largely kept a low profile in recent years, made a rare public appearance at the festival, which took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ryan wore a gray dress paired with black heels, keeping it classy as she accepted her award.
Expressing her gratitude during the award ceremony, Ryan delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected her admiration for the resilience of the Sarajevo community. She acknowledged the significance of the award and recognized the festival’s history, which dates back to 1995 during the Siege of Sarajevo amid the Bosnian War.
US actress Meg Ryan arrives at red carpet of 30th Sarajevo Film Festival, in Sarajevo, on August 20, 2024. Meg Ryan will receive the honorary “Heart of Sarajevo” award during the Sarajevo Film Festival for exceptional contribution to the art of motion pictures.
ELVIS BARUKCIC/AFP via Getty Images
“I just feel so happy to be able to be here, and thank you face to face for your example during the siege,” Ryan said in a video which was shared on her Instagram. She added, “You proved that art and culture are the resistance,” as she expressed her admiration for how the people of Sarajevo came together to embrace the arts despite facing life-threatening dangers.
The actress continued to emphasize the power of diversity and its ability to unite. “You are proof that diversity is power, that art is whatever makes you feel less alone,” she said before concluding with, “Thank you so much for this heart—you have mine.”
While the You’ve Got Mail star’s public appearances are few and far between these days, her recent outing to the festival follows her bold statement about pop star Taylor Swift, which received a lot of praise from Swifties and fans of the actress alike. Posting to Instagram after the Eras Tour, Ryan wrote, “Last night at Wembley… WOW Thank you, @taylorswift You’re the hands down the Queen!” Fans loved to see the support from one icon to another, leaving their comments on the photo. “my rom com queen and musical queen,” said one fan, while another commented, “Legends supporting legends!!!”