On June 23, 2025, Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez was feted at the Italian Global Series Festival (IGSF) in Rimini, Italy, receiving the Italian Audiovisual Industry Ambassador Excellence Award for her contributions to global cinema. Held from June 21–28 across Rimini and Riccione, the festival celebrates television and film excellence. Fernandez’s versatile roles and international appeal bridge cultures. Her heartfelt Instagram post and recent projects like Housefull 5 underscore her global influence.
In This Article:
A Prestigious Honour
The IGSF, a reimagined RomaFictionFest, honored Fernandez on its opening night at Teatro Galli, alongside luminaries like Evangeline Lilly and Giorgio Moroder. Fernandez, a Sri Lankan-born actress raised in Bahrain, was recognized for her 15-year Bollywood career, spanning hits like Kick and Race 2. Her Instagram post captured her joy: “Cinema as an art for me is not just about storytelling but a way to connect people across time, language, and continents. Grazie di cuore!” She joined a distinguished group, cementing her status as a global cinema ambassador.
Fernandez’s Cinematic Journey
Fernandez, who transitioned from a TV reporter to a Bollywood star, recently starred in the June 6, 2025, comedy Housefull 5, alongside Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt, and the web series Hai Junoon! Dream. Dare. Dominate with Neil Nitin Mukesh. Her Cannes appearance at the 2024 Red Sea Film Festival further highlighted her international presence.
Festival’s Global Impact
The IGSF, backed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture and Cinecittà, featured premieres like Squid Game Season 3 and Lena Dunham’s Too Much. Fernandez’s award reflects the festival’s mission to celebrate cross-cultural storytelling. Her role in Dieci Capodanni also earned praise, showcasing her versatility.
A Milestone for Indian Cinema
Fernandez’s honor at IGSF 2025 highlights Indian cinema’s growing global footprint. Her journey from Aladin (2009) to international acclaim embodies cinema’s borderless power, inspiring artists to connect diverse audiences through authentic storytelling.
-By Manoj H