Salman Khan Honours Idris Elba At Red Sea Film Festival: 'I've Seen His Films At Home With Family'

Superstar Salman Khan is making headlines in Saudi Arabia after attending the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival. Among the standout moments of the high-profile event was Salman presenting the prestigious Red Sea Honouree Award to Hollywood star Idris Elba. Staying true to his understated charm, Salman kept his introduction crisp, heartfelt and personal.

He said, “I’m really happy to be here. It’s a pleasure to be at the Red Sea Film Festival and an honour to present an award to a very talented actor. I’ve seen his films, and I like his films, and I’ve seen them in theatres, and I’ve seen them at home with my friends and family. So please welcome Idris Elba.”

Elba took the stage to accept the award and delivered one of the most

moving speeches of the evening. He began with genuine enthusiasm: “I am truly honoured. This is my first time here at the festival and I just want to tell you; this is probably the best film festival I’ve been in my life. I mean it. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.”

Wholesome moment: Idris Elba hugs #SalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/y8YRgJo7mU

— Devil V!SHAL (@VishalRC007) December 11, 2025

Idris Elba’s Heartfelt Tribute to His Parents, Wife and Children

Elba spoke passionately about what sets the festival apart, adding, “This film festival represents the world. This is what the world looks like. International people that tell stories, not for just financial gain, but for cultural gain, to share their stories, to educate.”

He also praised the festival’s leadership, saying, “And Chairwoman, you should be very proud of what you’ve created here. It’s a fantastic festival and I’m honoured to be here. I hope you’ll have me back.”

The actor then dedicated the honour to his parents, sharing a deeply emotional story: “This award is for my mom and my dad. I’m an only child and my parents tried for children they couldn’t have. And then I came along… my mom and dad had so much belief when I said, I want to be an actor.”

He concluded by thanking his wife Sabrina and his children Riaz, Ishaan and Winston, saying their support fuels him every morning.

Elba also charmed the audience with a humorous memory of his first acting job—a commercial where he played a man chasing his stolen bike—before declaring the Red Sea Festival “on top of the hill.”

Before the award ceremony, Salman participated in an interactive session about his cinematic journey. Later, he turned heads on the red carpet where he unexpectedly bumped into global superstar Johnny Depp, creating one of the most talked-about moments of the night.