LOS ANGELES: Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, is to add another honor to his name with a lifetime achievement award from the organizers of the Golden Globe awards.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) said on Tuesday it would present the prolific actor and producer with its Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes ceremony in Beverly Hills on Jan. 5.
The boyish-looking Hanks, now 63, made his movie breakthrough in “Big” in 1988, playing a teenager who wakes up to find himself in the body of an adult.
He went on to win back-to-back Oscars and Golden Globes in 1994 and 1995 for his roles in AIDS drama “Philadelphia” and comedy “Forrest Gump.”
“For more than three decades, he’s captivated audiences with rich and playful characters that we’ve grown to love and admire,” HFPA president Lorenzo Soria said in a statement.
“As compelling as he is on the silver screen, he’s equally so behind the camera as a writer, producer and director.”
Hanks’ next movie appearance will be in November as the much loved US children’s television host Mister Rogers, in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
He also starred in more than 80 other movies, including “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “Private Ryan” and was the voice of cowboy Woody in the “Toy Story” animated movie franchise.
The Cecil B. DeMille award is given annually to an actor, director or producer who has made a lasting impact on the film industry. Past recipients include Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bridges and Harrison Ford.
Tom Hanks to get lifetime award at Golden Globes
Tom Hanks to get lifetime award at Golden Globes
- The prolific actor and producer will be presented the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes
- Past recipients include Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bridges and Harrison Ford
The taste of Christmas in the Levant: From festive bakes to time-honored family recipes
- Chefs tell Arab News about favorite, traditional dishes
DUBAI: Often overlooked despite being the birthplace of Jesus, Christmas in the Levant carries its own traditions and dishes.
Arab News spoke to Levantine chefs who shared how their families celebrate Christmas and explore ancient traditions.
Kareem “TheVoiceNoteChef” Yousef, who is Lebanese and Kuwaiti, has a blog that blends home cooking with nostalgic voice notes from his mother, resonating with thousands across the Arab diaspora.
Yousef began his blog during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to beat homesickness.
“Christmas isn’t about anything fancy, it’s just about being together,” he told Arab News.
“My mom cooks for a village. Christmas trays are never small,” he added.
The Christmas Eve dinner starts off with kibbeh laban as a soup, followed by tabouleh and then riz a djej as the main. Riz a djej, or chicken and rice, is a Lebanese dish that is a staple on a holiday dinner table.
“It's always been our thing for Christmas served with mushroom sauce. My mom, that’s her unique touch on it,” he explained.
Yousef said meghli is a must for dessert on Christmas. Typically served to celebrate birth, meghli is a spiced rice pudding made with cinnamon, anise and caraway.
“Meghli is done because we celebrate the birth of a baby. But in this case, you’re celebrating the birth of Jesus,” he explained.
Meanwhile Palestinian chef Nasser Tarazi described Levantine Christmas traditions as “deeply rooted” in religion and community.
“Food is the heart of any Palestinian gathering, and Christmas is no exception,” he explained.
Like Yousef, Tarazi’s online journey started during the pandemic after his children convinced him to share his recipes on TikTok. Tarazi has since accumulated over 100,000 followers.
“On our Christmas table you’ll find mosakhan rolls, fattoush, and a slow-cooked leg of lamb,” he explained.
Warak dawali, a traditional Levant dish made of stuffed grape leaves, is the main, said Tarazi, as well as ruz hashwa, which is a spiced-rice and minced-beef dish.
Tarazi said kaak mamoul, knafeh and fruits are served for dessert to end things on a sweet note.
“Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, not the tree or the gifts, but the light he brought into our lives,” he said.
