Prof. Krzysztof Zanussi, lecturer at the Kieślowski Film School, was honored with the 2023 Eastern Star Award at the 34th Trieste Film Festival in Italy.

The Trieste Film Festival presents the Eastern Star Award to individuals in the film industry who have been instrumental in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Europe. Past recipients include Irène Jacob, Monica Bellucci, Milcho Manchevski, Rade Šerbedžija, Kasia Smutniak, Miki Manojlović, Kornél Mundruczó, and Kata Weber. The 34th Trieste Film Festival was held from January 21–28, 2023.