Steve Buscemi Honored with Icon Award at Mallorca Film Festival

Palma, Mallorca – Actor Steve Buscemi received the Icon Award at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, recognizing his extensive career in film and television. The award was presented to him at the festival’s opening night, celebrating his unique contributions as a character actor.

Buscemi, known for memorable roles like Mr. Pink in *Reservoir Dogs* and Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson in HBO’s *Boardwalk Empire*, reflected on his career during a post-award interview. He acknowledged the variety of roles he has explored, stating, “I just wanted to work,” adding that he has learned to seek significant roles as his career progressed.

Having appeared in over 190 roles, Buscemi’s work ranges from film to significant television performances, such as Principal Dort in Netflix’s *Wednesday*. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with various directors, including Martin Scorsese, who he calls a “renaissance man” due to his knowledge beyond cinema.

During the festival, Buscemi also unveiled his latest film, *Psycho Therapy*, where he plays a retired serial killer who unintentionally finds himself in couples therapy. This film showcases his versatility, as he balances comedic elements with darker themes.

Buscemi discussed the evolution of his craft, noting his interest in directing and the challenges it presents. “Directing is an extension of my acting,” he shared, emphasizing how it allows him to explore all character motivations during production.

On mental health awareness, he remarked, “I think people are starting to feel more comfortable talking about mental health issues,” indicating the importance of open dialogue in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the industry, Buscemi expressed mild concern, stating, “I want to make sure there’s protection against that.” He remains hopeful that AI could enhance storytelling rather than replace human actors.

The festival celebrated Buscemi alongside other filmmakers, reinforcing the sense of community and collaboration that characterizes the event. He concluded, “It’s great to meet people at festivals and discuss our work.”