DUBAI: A host of Arab and international celebrities were in attendance on the red carpet at the opening night of the 13th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on Wednesday.

Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson, along with Bollywood actress Rekha and French-Lebanese composer Gabriel Yared, who won an Oscar for “The English Patient,” were honored with lifetime achievement awards. Jackson accepted an IWC watch and an award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma. “It’s amazing to be here, I’ve been trying to get here since the first one,” Jackson said, referring to the festival.

“Anybody out there who has got a job for a brother, let me know. Anytime you need me, call me. I will see if I can get here,” Jackson added, amid audience chuckles.

Composer Yared said he was very happy to be receiving an award in an Arab country.

The stars headed into the Madinat Arena screening of opening film “Miss Sloane”, a political thriller starring Jessica Chastain as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C.. Chastain was nowhere to be seen, but director John Madden and actor Jack Lacey walked the carpet.

During its eight days, the festival will host 156 films in 40 languages hailing from 55 countries. More than 70 are Middle East premieres.

DIFF runs until Dec. 14.