Kevin Spacey, Irv Gotti (Accepted by Chris Gotti) and Shohreh Aghdashloo Receive Lifetime Achievement Award and Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors Win Best Actress and Actor at the Septimius Awards in Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — In a night of cinematic celebration and global recognition, the Septimius Awards 2025 brought together luminaries from the world of film and entertainment at the historic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam. The prestigious annual ceremony, held on September 4, 2025, honored a diverse range of talent with its coveted awards, headlined by the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to five iconic figures: Kevin Spacey, Irv Gotti, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Jenny Shircore, and Neil Corbould.

The atmosphere was electric as the Tuschinski Theater's Art Deco splendor provided a fitting backdrop for the gala. The event, known for its unique structure of honoring talent across different continents, shined a spotlight on both established masters and rising stars. The Lifetime Achievement Awards, a highlight of the evening, paid tribute to the enduring impact of individuals who have shaped the industry.

Kevin Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner, was recognized for his monumental contributions to American cinema, from his chilling performance in The Usual Suspects to his complex portrayal in American Beauty. The award celebrated a career marked by versatility and a commanding screen presence.

Irv Gotti, the music mogul and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, received his honor for his groundbreaking influence on music and film soundtracks. His work has left an indelible mark on the industry, blending hip-hop with cinematic storytelling.

Iranian-American actress Shohreh Aghdashloo was celebrated for her distinguished career, which includes an Emmy Award for her work in the television series House of Saddam and an Academy Award nomination for House of Sand and Fog. Her recognition underscored a career dedicated to powerful and nuanced performances.

Jenny Shircore, the acclaimed British makeup and hairstylist, was honored for her transformative work that has brought characters to life on screen. A two-time Academy Award winner for her work on films like Elizabeth and The Young Victoria, Shircore's award acknowledged her extraordinary craft and artistry.

Rounding out the list of Lifetime Achievement honorees was Neil Corbould, the renowned British special effects supervisor. With three Academy Awards to his name for his work on blockbusters such as Gladiator, Saving Private Ryan, and Gravity, Corbould's award recognized his incredible technical innovation and visual storytelling.

The evening also saw major wins in the acting categories, with Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors taking home the top honors for Best Actress and Best Actor in the American categories, respectively. Meagan Good was awarded Best American Actress for her role in Divorce in the Black, a performance praised for its emotional depth and compelling narrative. Jonathan Majors’ win for Best American Actor was for his self-titled project, Jonathan Majors, a victory that further cements his status as one of Hollywood's most dynamic performers.

Beyond the American categories, the Septimius Awards showcased its truly international scope by celebrating talent from around the globe. The Best European Actor award went to Tommaso Ragno for his work in Vermiglio, while Alma Pöysti was named Best European Actress for her role in Orenda. In the Asian categories, Mahnaz Afshar won Best Asian Actress for A Date In November, and Tovino Thomas secured his second win as Best Asian Actor for his performance in Narivetta.

The film awards were equally distributed across continents, highlighting a diverse collection of cinematic achievements. Streets of Glória won Best American Film, while the European Film award went to Vermiglio. The Seed of the Sacred Fig was recognized as Best Asian Film, and Old Righteous Blues took the award for Best African Film. The award for Best Oceanian Film was given to Ka Whawhai Tonu.

Other notable winners included:

Best Director: Saturn Return

Best Producer: Stormskerry Maja

Best Screenplay: Never Alone

Best Cinematography: Orenda

Best Soundtrack: Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet

Best Series: One Hundred Years of Solitude

Best Feature Documentary: In the Trenches: The Making of Before Dawn

Best Short Film: New Dawn

Best Animation: The Most Precious of Cargoes

Best Music Video: Misha Miller & Alex Velea for BAM BAM

Best Costume Design: Rise of the Raven

Best Makeup & Hairstyling: Shaka iLembe

The Septimius Awards 2025 reinforced its reputation as a crucial platform for international cinema, bringing together a global community of filmmakers and artists to celebrate the power of storytelling. The night was a powerful reminder of how film, in all its forms, continues to transcend borders and connect people through shared narratives and human experiences.