28th Maine International Film Festival to Honor Actor Clive Owen
WATERVILLE, Maine—The Maine Film Center is excited to announce Academy Award-nominated actor Clive Owen as the recipient of the 2025 Mid-Life Achievement Award at the 28th annual Maine International Film Festival (MIFF), held July 11–20 in Waterville, Maine.
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Owen first received international acclaim for his leading role in Croupier (1998, dir. Mike Hodges) and has since performed in an expansive variety of films and television series, both art-house and mainstream, often portraying characters with strong wills and even stronger senses of justice. A capable leading man and unafraid of challenging roles, Owen brings a consistent composure, suaveness, gravitas, and acting expertise to his work that has enraptured audiences for three decades and counting.
“We are honored to welcome Clive Owen as the 2025 Mid-Life Achievement Award recipient at the 28th Maine International Film Festival, celebrating his remarkable contributions to cinema," said Mike Perreault, executive director of the Maine Film Center. “From his breakout role in Croupier—at a screening of which we’ll be honoring him with a famous MIFF Moose—to acclaimed performances in Children of Men and Closer (and three other films of his that we'll screen), Owen's dynamic range and compelling screen presence have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. This July in Waterville, we look forward to celebrating his longstanding impact on film and storytelling.”
Owen will join the Festival for screenings of six of his films at the Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House:
Duplicity (2009, starring alongside Julia Roberts as corporate spies from rival companies embroiled in a steamy affair).
Children of Men (2005, Owen as a disillusioned bureaucrat who is unwillingly tasked with ushering the last pregnant woman on Earth to safety).
Closer (2004, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as a dermatologist involved a disintegrating relationship alongside another couple, with Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, and Jude Law).
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003, portraying a former gangster in pursuit of revenge after learning of the mysterious circumstances surrounding his brother’s death).
Gosford Park (2001, featuring as an unassuming valet in a thrilling ensemble murder mystery where everyone becomes a suspect)
Croupier (1998, Owen’s first internationally acclaimed and leading role as writer-by-day, croupier-by-night Jack Manfred), to be followed by the presentation of MIFF’s signature Mid-Life Achievement Award on Tuesday, July 15.
After the screening of Croupier and the bestowing of the Mid-Life Achievement Award, there will be a reception in Owen’s honor at Front & Main in Waterville.
MIFF returns to the Paul J. Schupf Art Center and the Waterville Opera House for its 28th edition July 11–20, 2025. Festival passes and packages are now available for preorder online at MIFF.org. A full festival lineup will be announced soon.
About the Maine Film Center
Maine Film Center (MFC) educates, entertains, and builds community through film. Through its legacy as Maine’s first independent art house, Railroad Square Cinema, and the annual Maine International Film Festival, MFC showcases the best of American independent, international, and repertory film, and offers the best popcorn in the known universe. For more information, visit MaineFilmCenter.org.
About MIFF
Founded in 1998, the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) is a project of the Maine Film Center. Over 10 days, the Festival showcases 100 films, representing the best of American independent and international cinema, and spotlights Maine and the world’s most exciting and innovative filmmakers.