Actor Russell Crowe told an audience at the Mediterrane Film Festival on Sunday that he “became a man in Malta” as he accepted the Malta Film Legend Award during the Golden Bee Awards ceremony.
The 61-year-old New Zealander, best known for his role as Maximus in the original Gladiator movie, was honoured at the third edition of the festival. The event took place at Fort Manoel, in Gzira.
With Film Commissioner Johann Grech by his side, Crowe reflected on his first major experience working in Malta.
“Twenty six years ago, in a funny way, I guess you can say that I became a man in Malta,” he told the crowd.
Crowe was referring to his time filming Gladiator, the Ridley Scott epic that was partially shot at Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara in 1999. The film was released the following year and went on to win multiple Academy Awards.
He spoke candidly about how the production shaped him professionally.
“I say I became a man because it wasn’t an easy production. I had to fight every day for the integrity of the character I was playing. Just like the journey of the character in the movie.” Said Crowe.
Crowe also recounted an emotional encounter with a fan in Italy just a week ago.
The fan, a lifeguard, began to cry upon meeting him. He told Crowe that his mother used to show him the film Gladiator and would tell him that Maximus was the kind of man she expected her son to become.
“This type of man. The honour, the integrity, the faith, this type of man. A man made in Malta,” said Crowe.
Crowe opened his speech with words of admiration for Malta, a country he has often praised. Last year, he posted on X that Malta is “one of the most incredible and unique places to visit,” adding: “I love the place.”
His comments followed backlash against director Ridley Scott, who joked that he would “not go back there [Malta] on holiday,” prompting criticism from both the public and politicians for showing disrespect to the country.
The year before that, Crowe had even suggested that Malta could become his second home, hinting at the possibility of applying for citizenship.
Other winners at Sunday’s ceremony included Euphoria actress Barbie Ferreira, who won the Rising Star award, and British producer Jeremy Thomas, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Pierre Agius and Joseph Formosa Randon were both honoured with the Career Achievement Award.
The Best Feature Film award went to Where the Wind Comes From, a Tunisian-French-Qatari production by director Amel Guellaty.