On its 26th edition, FESTROIA – International Film Festival of Setúbal decided once more to pay a tribute to Portuguese cinema, by presenting a Lifetime Achievement Dolphin Award to Rogério Samora, who is celebrating three decades as an actor. Rogério Samora is the fifth Portuguese actor to receive Festroia’s most important individual award, after Ruy de Carvalho (2003), Raul Solnado (2004), Joaquim de Almeida (2006) and Nicolau Breyner (2008).

Born in Lisbon in 1958, José Rogério Filipe Samora studied theatre at the National Conservatory during the 1970s and had his professional premiere at Casa da Comédia, with the René Kalisky play A Paixão Segundo Pier Paolo Pasolini, directed by Filipe La Féria. His acting won him the Best New Actor Award in 1981 and, ever since, Rogério Samora has been a regular presence on stage, television and in films. 

Over the last three decades, he has worked with some of Portugal's leading film directors, including Manoel de Oliveira (Os canibais, Party), Fernando Lopes (Matar saudades, O delfim, 98 octanas, Os sorrisos do destino), Luís Filipe Rocha (Sinais de fogo), João Mário Grilo (Longe da vista), António Pedro Vasconcelos (Os imortais), João Botelho (O fatalista, A corte do Norte) and José Fonseca e Costa (Viúva rica solteira não fica).

A handsome youth who has aged into an attractive older man, Samora is a matinee idol with a strong female following. He is recognized as one of Portugal's finest actors, who gives generously to his audiences and his fellow actors. He has also lent his particularly warm voice for voiceover woork, including the Portugese dubbed version of THE LION KING and a recent musical project by Rodrigo Leão, where he read poems by Mário Cesariny. He will be a dazzling presence at this year's Festival.

Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Dailies Editor