The Zurich Film Festival will present veteran actor John Turturro with the prestigious Golden Eye Award during its 22nd edition, taking place from September 24 through October 4. Turturro is being recognized for his compelling lead performance in “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” a film written and directed by Noah Segan. The actor will formally accept the honor on September 26 and participate in a career retrospective session on September 27.
In “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” Turturro portrays Harry, a skilled pickpocket whose meticulously ordered existence unravels following a botched theft. The incident initiates a suspenseful sequence of events spanning just 36 hours. According to festival CEO Christian Jungen, Turturro’s performance exemplifies his decades-long mastery of creating unforgettable characters that balance theatrical exaggeration with authentic emotional truth. Jungen noted that the actor commands the film throughout while crafting an affectionate homage to New York City.
Turturro expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Segan, emphasizing his connection to the script and its New York setting. The actor highlighted how the narrative balances mounting tension as time pressures mount against deeply drawn character development, all within a richly detailed metropolitan landscape. His recognition marks a celebration of a prolific career that includes iconic roles in “Barton Fink” and “The Big Lebowski.”
Originally reported by Variety →
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