Sir Sean Connery (1930-2020) was a Scottish actor from Edinburgh who became the first screen James Bond, playing the role across seven films from 1962 to 1983. He went on to prove his range well beyond 007, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Untouchables (1987). Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2000.
At the Edinburgh International Film Festival (14-20 August 2025), the Sean Connery Award for Feature Film was presented for the second time - it was won by Iranian-Canadian director Abdolreza Kahani for the film Mortician.
In August 2024, at the revamped Edinburgh International Film Festival, the Sean Connery Award for Feature Film was presented for the first time (£50,000) - the inaugural edition was won by Jack King for the film The Ceremony.
The Sean Connery Foundation launched the Sean Connery Talent Lab program in collaboration with the National Film and Television School (NFTS) - 70% of tuition costs are covered for 30 aspiring Scottish filmmakers.
In September 2023, a new biography of Connery, "Sean Connery" by Herbie J. Pilato, was published, chronicling the actor's life before, during, and after his role as Bond.
Sean Connery died on 31 October 2020 at the age of 90 at his home in the Bahamas; his family confirmed that he suffered from dementia in his final months.
