Lubna Azabal
Biography
Lubna Azabal is a distinguished Belgian actress born in Brussels to a Moroccan father and a Spanish mother. She honed her craft at the Conservatoire royal of Brussels, where she laid the foundation for a successful acting career in theater. Azabal made her film debut in 1997, captivating audiences in Vincent Lannoo's short film J'adore le cinéma, where she starred alongside Olivier Gourmet. Fluent in French, Spanish, Berber, English, and Arabic, her linguistic abilities have allowed her to shine in both French and Arabic cinema.
Azabal gained international recognition for her powerful performance in the 2005 Golden Globe-winning film, Paradise Now, a poignant Palestinian political thriller that explored complex themes of identity and resistance. She also appeared in a supporting role in Ridley Scott's 2008 film Body of Lies, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In recognition of her outstanding talent, Azabal received the Black Pearl Award for Best Actress at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2010 for her role in the acclaimed film Incendies. Additionally, she won the prestigious Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role at the 31st Genie Awards. With her impressive body of work and accolades, Lubna Azabal continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry, celebrated for her artistry and depth in portraying complex characters.
Filmography
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For My Country
2023 • Nadia
Buğday
2017 • Beatrice
Simone: Woman of the Century
2022
Far Away (2001)
2001 • Sarah
Maldoror
2025 • Mme Santos
The Blue Caftan
2023 • Mina
Mary Magdalene
2018
Tel Aviv on Fire
2018 • Tala
Body of Lies
2008 • Aisha's Sister Cala
Strangers (2007)
2007 • Rana Sweid
Hellhole (2019)
2019 • Samira
Headwinds
2011 • La mère de Yamine
Coriolanus
2011 • First Citizen (Tamora)
Rock the Casbah (2013)
2013 • Kenza
Rebel (2022)
2022 • Leila
A Bluebird in My Heart
2018 • Nadia
Above the Law (2017)
2017 • Lucie Tesla
Incendies
2010 • Nawal
Free Men
2011 • Warba Shlimane alias Leila
I Am Slave
2010 • Haleema
Comme les 5 doigts de la main
2010
Adam (2019)
2019 • Abla