Following his success at the Globo d’Oro, the versatile actor enters 2026 as a major force in global cinema, starring in projects by Julian Schnabel and Kevin Costner.


NEW YORK - ROME (January 22, 2026) – In the fast-evolving landscape of global cinema, few actors embody the spirit of internationalism as powerfully as Mohamed Zouaoui. Already a household name in Italy and a recipient of the prestigious Globo d’Oro (the Italian Golden Globe), Zouaoui is now making a definitive leap into the American and global markets. With a career spanning 62 professional credits, Zouaoui’s 2026 season is a landmark. He is currently a key figure in Julian Schnabel’s upcoming masterpiece, "In the Hand of Dante," working alongside cinematic titans like Al Pacino and Oscar Isaac. This performance, coupled with his role as Joachim in the ambitious production "The First Christmas" presented by Kevin Costner, marks his official entry into the Hollywood elite.

Zouaoui’s presence is about cultural impact. Just four days ago, on January 18, 2026, he was a guest of honor at a high-profile RAI institutional event in Rome, further cementing his role as a "Cultural Bridge" between the Arab world and Europe. As Italy gears up for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the actor’s journey reflects a new era of international excellence. From a secret Netflix project to the red carpets of the world, Mohamed Zouaoui is the face of a borderless cinema.

MOHAMED ZOUAOUI: THE ART OF ADVENTURE AND CINEMATIC PARADOXES

Q1: Mohamed, your career reads like an adventure novel. You’ve filmed 62 movies, but there’s a fascinating irony: you’re an international actor who has never filmed a single frame in your homeland, Tunisia. How do you view this "absence"?

A: (Laughs) It’s a unique irony. I’ve spent my career working across borders, playing characters from so many different cultures, but my own land remains a place of the heart rather than a set. I’ve always been a traveler of cinema, an inhabitant of different languages. Perhaps I am simply waiting for the right story—something that moves away from clichés and speaks to my roots in a new way.

Q2: You often choose sets that are off the beaten path, such as your experience filming in Iraq. What did you find amidst the intensity of that environment?

A: I found a profound sense of humanity. People often associate those places only with conflict, but on set, I discovered an incredible resilience. It was a deep human experience, not just a job. Working in such a different environment reminds you that cinema is a universal language. It made me a more conscious actor, and more grateful for the stories we are lucky enough to tell.

Q3: Recently, you surprised your audience. After years of intense drama, you moved into comedy with the RaiPlay hit series "L'appartamento sold out." What drew you to this lighter side?

A: It was a breath of fresh air. In "L'appartamento sold out," I wanted to explore a different muscle. For years, I was the "serious" lead, but comedy is a surgical art—it's all about timing and truth. Seeing the series become a success on RaiPlay was a great confirmation: the audience enjoys seeing a more versatile, lighthearted side of my craft. Quality isn't just about suffering on screen; it's about the elegance of a smile.

Q4: You are part of the epic production "The First Christmas," a global project presented by Kevin Costner. You play Joachim—how does it feel to be part of such a massive cinematic event?

A: It’s a significant professional milestone. Being part of a production associated with a legend like Kevin Costner means being part of a global narrative. I play Joachim, a character with a very specific weight in the story. In projects of this scale, you feel the responsibility of the craft. It’s the perfect balance: the intimacy of acting on one side, and the grandeur of a worldwide release on the other.

Q5: In Julian Schnabel’s latest film, you had what you describe as a "crazy and unique" experience. What was it like being on that set?

A: It was truly an incredible experience. Working on a Julian Schnabel film and being on set alongside Oscar Isaac was a professional high point. Even though the role is small, seeing my name in a cast that includes titans like Al Pacino, John Malkovich, and Martin Scorsese is a moment of immense pride. In cinema, it’s not always about the length of the scene, but the caliber of the vision and the company you keep. Being part of that artistic world was unforgettable.

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Zouaoui

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/it/name/nm1543057