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Turkish actor Can Yaman said he could not explain why Italian audiences had formed such a strong bond with him after picking up the best international actor award at the 10th BCT Festival in Italy.
The National Film and Television Festival honored Yaman for what organizers described as his talent, charisma and ability to turn each role into an international phenomenon.
Yaman, who has continued his career in Italy, received the award from the festival's artistic director, Antonio Frascadore, before sitting down for a public conversation about his career and growing popularity in the country.
Yaman also looked back on hosting the opening ceremony of Sanremo, one of Italy's leading music festivals, in February.
He explained that presenting was outside his usual profession and that stepping into an unfamiliar role initially made him nervous. However, after people repeatedly encouraged him to take it on, he decided to go ahead with the opportunity.
"It was a good experience and helped me overcome that fear," Yaman said, adding that performing successfully allowed him to feel more comfortable in front of the audience.
The actor linked his determination to both his character and the example set by his parents.
He described his father as successful, generous and someone with a strong leadership presence. Yaman said he had grown up hoping to become as generous as his father, while believing that generosity required strength built up through education and hard work.
When asked why Italian viewers had connected with him so strongly, Yaman said he had never fully worked out the answer.
He suggested that speaking Italian and being able to connect directly with audiences might have played a part but stopped short of offering a firm explanation.
"Why, among all Turkish actors, was this affection shown to me? I do not know," he said. "Saying, 'They love me because of this,' would be arrogant. I really cannot say."
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Set as preferred source
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