Hussein Fahmy: Psychologists Help Me Build Up New Characters

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
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Hussein Fahmy: Psychologists Help Me Build Up New Characters

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy said that he relied on psychologists during his career to develop characters.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he confirmed that he will return to the big screen with three new works after a hiatus of 18 years. He also indicated that the Egyptian cinema is suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic and producers’ reluctance to take risks during these uncertain times.

On why joined the cast of "Fares" movie, Fahmy said he decided to join the cast after hearing encouraging facts about the project from his friend, artist Ahmed Zaher.

"I think it’s essential for me and our generation of artists to support the new generation, just as the previous generation had done for us,” he noted.

“The events of the movie are very exciting. The author, Hussam Moussa, with whom I have also collaborated before, is very well known for his unique writing style and ability to create suspense. I will also get the chance to work again with director Raouf Abdel Aziz," added Fahmy.

He further explained how he has portrayed different roles throughout his career, saying: “an actor isn’t just someone reciting a role written for them in a script. An actor is a creative person who adds new dimensions to the character he’s playing to draw in the viewer, and I systematically practice my roles."

"As an actor, I must add new psychological dimensions to the character that I’m playing, so I always consult a psychologist before playing a particular role. If I don’t have enough time to consult with one, I resort to online research about the nature of the character I’m going to play."

Regarding his new film, Fahmy said that the Egyptian cinema will be making a comeback with the film, as a large number of stars in the Arab world are part of it, most notably Jamal Suleiman, Eyad Nassar, Dorra Zarrouk, Mahmoud Hemida and Fathy Abdel Wahab.

"The film will have a novel and original plot, the details of which won’t be revealed, to maintain the element of surprise for the viewers.”

Fahmy pointed out that he had no control over his absence from the screen in recent Ramadan drama seasons, saying due to certain circumstances some of the works he took part in were not aired on time.

He concluded by pointing out that the film industry is among the most afflicted by the pandemic, stressing that some producers are reluctant to make films under the current circumstances, mainly due to the Egyptian government’s decision to allow only 50 percent capacity in movie theaters. However, TV series are still profitable as they can be aired during Ramadan season and well beyond then.



New Film Academy Members Include Danielle Deadwyler, Ariana Grande, Jason Momoa, Conan O’Brien

Ariana Grande. (Getty Images/AFP)
Ariana Grande. (Getty Images/AFP)
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New Film Academy Members Include Danielle Deadwyler, Ariana Grande, Jason Momoa, Conan O’Brien

Ariana Grande. (Getty Images/AFP)
Ariana Grande. (Getty Images/AFP)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited 534 new members to its organization on Thursday, adding recent Oscar nominees and many more to Hollywood's most exclusive club.

The newest class of Oscar voters includes a number of stars like Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Danielle Deadwyler and Andrew Scott. They, along with filmmakers, below-the-line professionals and executives will bring the film academy's membership total to 11,120, with voting members numbering 10,143.

That's the largest membership ever for the academy. Since the #OscarsSoWhite backlash, the film academy has added thousands of members to swell its ranks and diversify its voting body. This year's class is 41% female, 45% from underrepresented communities and 55% from outside the US.

Those new members will make the entire academy 35% women, 22% from underrepresented communities and 21% international.

"We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said academy chief executive Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang in a statement. "Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community."

Invitations went out to 91 Oscar nominees and 26 winners, including best actress winner Mikey Madison ("Anora") and best supporting actor winner Kieran Culkin ("A Real Pain"). Recent nominees who were invited include Ariana Grande, Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan and Monica Barbara. Gints Zilbalodis, the director of best animated film winner "Flow" will join the animation branch.

Other filmmakers set to join the academy include Mike Flanagan ("Doctor Sleep"), Azazel Jacobs ("His Three Daughters"), Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist"), Coraline Fargeat ("The Substance") Jane Schoenbrun ("I Saw the TV Glow"), Halina Reijn ("Babygirl") and Gia Coppola ("The Last Showgirl").

Payal Kapadia ("All We Imagine As Light"), Lena Waithe ("Queen & Slim") and Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley of "Sing Sing" were all invited in the writers branch. In the music branch, new members include Brandi Carlile ("Elton John: Never Too Late"), Branford Marsalis ("Rustin") and Youssou N’Dour ("Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love").

The last two emcees to host the Oscars — Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O'Brien — were also invited as members. After a well-reviewed broadcast that drew 19.7 million viewers, O'Brien is returning to host the 2026 Academy Awards on March 15.

A few new rules will await the 2025 academy members.

For the first time, members will be required to watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final road of Oscar voting. This year, a new award category for casting will be voted on for the upcoming Oscars. The academy has also established a new Oscar for stunt design, but that won't be given out until 2028.