The American actress Faye Dunaway who is visiting Thessaloniki as a guest of the 42nd International Thessaloniki Film festival, was presented yesterday with the "Golden Alexander" award. The honorary award was given in a brief ceremony by the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Vasilis Papageorgopoulos, with the attendance of the Minister of Culture, Evangelos Venizelos. The ceremony started just after the screening of Dunaway's debut directing attempt, Yellow Bird, as well as Jerry Schatzberg's first film, Puzzle of a downfall child, with Faye Dunaway in the leading role. Both, the director and the actress were present at the ceremony.

Commencing the ceremony, the Director of the Festival, Michel Demopoulos, praised Faye Dunaway's contribution to cinema as well as her outstanding acting skills.

After receiving the award, Faye Dunaway stepped up to the podium and spoke of her admiration for Greece as the birthplace of theatre. "I've studied theatre since my college days in Boston. I honour the country that gave birth to theatre, my art and my religion." Faye Dunaway expressed her joy of having the chance to present her first film, Yellow Bird. She also spoke fervently about Jerry Schatzberg's first film, Puzzle of a downfall child. "It's my favourite", she told the audience in the OLYMPION theatre, which was packed from early in the evening.

Moreover, Faye Dunaway spoke about the United States' military operations after the events of September 11th, stating that, "the world must confront the forces of evil. We need to conquer the world just like Alexander the Great did, in the name of love, friendship, and art", and concluded by saying, "I hope we win."

Director Jerry Schatzberg said that he was honoured to be in Thessaloniki, adding that he would gladly accept any invitation to come back!
Referring to his first film, he said that he decided to shoot it when he became friends with Faye Dunaway, who at the time was an upcoming actress. However, Puzzle of a downfall child was filmed four years later when she was already a star.
It is worth mentioning that the director has never forgotten his profession as a photographer. After having finished his speech and just before the lights went out, the photographers began to take his picture and he paid them in kind by taking pictures of them in return!