Fans of Jake Gyllenhaal (or Gyllenhaalics if you will), it’s time to get excited, as it’s just been announced that the Southpaw actor will receive Variety’s ‘International Star of the Year’ Award at the Dubai International Film Festival this year.

During the festival he’ll also appear at an open-to-the-public Q&A. Now in its 12th edition, DIFF will run from December 9 to 16 this year (we’ll bring you all the details of the films to see soon).

Oscar nominee Gyllenhaal, 34, will be honoured for his contribution to the film industry, which is deserved when you consider how diverse and stellar his performances are. From Nightcrawler to Donnie Darko, the actor’s work is always memorable.

As he once told the BBC: “The truth is most of the films that make a lot of money no one remembers, and I’m not interested in making films that no one remembers.”

Steven Gaydos, Vice President, Executive Editor, Variety pointed out why he’s perfect for the award: “Jake Gyllenhaal’s promise as an actor was clear almost from the beginning of his illustrious career. Donnie Darko is a cult classic and his work in films such as October Sky, The Good Girl and Moonlight Mile signalled the emergence of a major new acting talent. While his Oscar-nominated turn in Brokeback Mountain delivered on that promise, the last few years have witnessed an explosion of great work that matches the best actors of any generation. Southpaw, Nightcrawler, Enemy, Prisoners, Everest, and End of Watch all demonstrate this vital young artist’s skills, amazing range and the depths to which he’ll travel to find his own unique truth and personal insights into each of these complex and often haunted characters.”

What a difference 14 years makes – Jake in Donnie Darko (2001) and Everest (2015):

donnie

Jake, if you need someone to take you on a shawarma tour while you’re here, give us a call (we know our meats very well).

– For more on the festival, head to www.dubaifilmfest.com.