Acting icon Sir Michael Caine has been celebrated with a prestigious honour at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, while exclusively sharing his remarkable life lessons with a new generation of cinematic talent.
A Legendary Career Honoured in Jeddah
The veteran actor, now 92 years old, travelled to Jeddah earlier this week where he was the guest of honour at the festival's 2025 opening ceremony. The event took place in Cultural Square, located within the historic Al-Balad District.
Surrounded by peers and industry giants, Caine received a rapturous standing ovation. He was joined on stage by his three grandchildren—Taylor, Miles, and Allegra—as the award was presented by his close friend, Hollywood star Vin Diesel. Diesel recently coaxed Caine out of retirement to film The Last Witch Hunter 2, scheduled for release in 2026.
An Exclusive Masterclass for Future Stars
In an exclusive revelation, it can be disclosed that prior to the ceremony, Sir Michael hosted a private session for a select group of young international filmmakers. This intimate gathering was organised through Red Sea Labs, the festival's talent-development programme.
The conversation flowed as a unique blend of masterclass, personal memoir, and a heartfelt tribute to the acting craft that defined his life. With the Middle Eastern film sector rapidly ascending as a global force, Caine reflected on his own humble beginnings, encouraging the aspiring creatives to persevere against all odds.
"I'm 92, and I started acting when I was 14, I come from a very poor family, but I now live in a very rich one—so there's hope for everyone," he quipped. Embracing his roots, he added, "I'm from England, I'm a Cockney, I come from a slum in London… and fortunately, I became a millionaire along the way. I've given hope to loads of people."
From South London to Hollywood Knighthood
Born Maurice Micklewhite in 1933 in a bomb-damaged area of South London, Caine's journey is one of extraordinary ascent. The son of a fish-market worker, he has amassed over 160 film credits, two Academy Awards, and a knighthood bestowed by the late Queen in 2000 for his services to drama.
His passion for acting ignited in a teenage amateur dramatic society, initially motivated, he admits, by the presence of "all the pretty girls." After minor stage and TV roles in the mid-1950s, his breakthrough arrived with the classic war film Zulu in 1964.
He recalled the class prejudices of early British cinema: "English films were very class prejudiced. They only made films about lords. Then it changed—they started making films about working-class, ordinary people. Then I became fine." His ability to master an Oxford English accent for roles, while retaining his native Cockney pride off-screen, opened doors that remained closed to many contemporaries.
Despite his legendary status, Caine confesses he never enjoys watching his own performances. "I've never watched myself—as I know all the lines, and I know who did it," he chuckled. One role remains a favourite: Alfie (1966), which earned him his first Oscar nomination. "The film I enjoyed working on the most was Alfie... I enjoyed that," he grinned.
His Oscar nominations continued for Sleuth (1973), Educating Rita (1984), and The Quiet American (2003). He won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Hannah and Her Sisters (1987), and his second for The Cider House Rules (2000).
Family, Hollywood, and a Well-Earned Retirement
Off-screen, Caine's life is anchored by family. He has been married to his second wife, Shakira (Lady Caine), since 1973, and they have a daughter, Natasha. He also has an older daughter, Dominique, from his previous marriage to actress Patricia Haines. He considers his family his greatest achievement.
Reflecting on his Hollywood success, he said, "I love Hollywood. I went for ten weeks and stayed for ten years because they kept giving me scripts." A late-career renaissance came through his collaboration with director Christopher Nolan, who cast him in eight films, from Batman Begins (2005) to Tenet (2020).
Having officially retired at 90, Sir Michael is now relishing a slower pace. "I was pleased to retire as you don't want to get up about 6am when you're 90," he remarked, citing the rigours of learning lines. Today, his focus is firmly on his loved ones. "I have a fabulous family that I adore beyond belief," he stated during his award acceptance.
His candid and generous session with the young filmmakers in Jeddah left an indelible mark, passing the torch of wisdom from a true cinematic legend to the architects of cinema's future.
