Ray Winstone Reflects on Working With Gary Oldman, Spielberg, and Scorsese at Sarajevo Film Festival Masterclass

Veteran British actor Ray Winstone delivered a candid and inspiring masterclass at the 29th Sarajevo Film Festival on August 17, 2025, offering audiences rare insights into his decades-long career. Speaking to a packed theater, Winstone reflected on collaborations with some of cinema’s greatest figures, including Gary Oldman, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese.

A Career Spanning Generations

At 68, Winstone has carved out a unique space in film history — equally at home in gritty British dramas and Hollywood blockbusters. His Sarajevo session, moderated by festival programmers, was part of the festival’s Conversations with Masters series, which has previously featured international icons of cinema.

The actor, best known for roles in Sexy Beast (2000), The Departed (2006), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), said his career has been defined as much by the people he worked with as the roles themselves.

On Gary Oldman: Friendship and Craft

Winstone spoke warmly of Gary Oldman, calling him “one of the finest actors Britain has ever produced.” Their paths first crossed in the 1980s, and Winstone said Oldman’s dedication to character has continued to inspire him.

“Gary has this ability to disappear into a role, and it’s frightening to watch up close,” Winstone recalled. “Every time I’ve worked with him or even just been around him, I’ve learned something new about what it means to live truthfully in a character.”

Memories of Spielberg and Scorsese

The conversation turned to Winstone’s work with Steven Spielberg on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He admitted that stepping onto Spielberg’s set in 2007 was both intimidating and exhilarating.

“Steven has this childlike wonder about cinema that never fades,” Winstone said. “Even after decades, he approaches every shot with excitement. That energy is infectious.”

Equally memorable, he said, was working with Martin Scorsese on the Oscar-winning The Departed. Winstone played a pivotal supporting role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Matt Damon.

“Marty creates an atmosphere where actors feel free to take risks,” he explained. “On The Departed, I felt like part of a family. He trusts his actors, and that’s why his films feel so alive.”

Advice for Emerging Actors

Winstone also used the masterclass to offer advice to young performers. He urged aspiring actors to embrace rejection, stay patient, and remain grounded in their craft rather than chasing fame.

“This industry will knock you down more times than it lifts you up,” he said. “But if you stay true to yourself and respect the work, you’ll find your place.”

The Sarajevo audience responded with warm applause, underscoring the festival’s reputation as a hub where established and emerging artists connect.

The Festival’s Growing Prestige

Now in its 29th year, the Sarajevo Film Festival has become a major cultural event in Europe, attracting international stars and industry leaders. According to Variety, the festival continues to position itself as a bridge between Hollywood and European cinema.

Winstone’s appearance, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, reflects the event’s growing importance as a platform not just for film premieres but also for knowledge-sharing and mentorship.

Looking Ahead

Winstone remains active, with several projects in post-production for 2026. But in Sarajevo, his focus was on legacy and gratitude. “I’ve been lucky,” he concluded. “Lucky to have worked with the best, and luckier still to still be here talking about it.”