Ahmed Helmy: “My uncle’s passing is the reason I left suddenly” Ahmed Helmy: “We ask for your prayers for him”

Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy sparked questions after he left the “Diyafa International Film Festival” unexpectedly before his honoring ceremony, prompting him to later clarify the reason.

He revealed the cause through Instagram Stories on his official account, announcing the death of his uncle, Ahmed Awad. Helmy explained that the heartbreaking news led him to return to Egypt immediately after attending the festival’s opening ceremony and taking photos on the red carpet.

“We ask for your prayers for him”

Helmy stated that he had to apologize for missing the honoring as soon as he received the news, which came just a few hours before the scheduled ceremony. He promptly informed the festival’s management. He wrote on Instagram: “My uncle Ahmed Awad has passed away. We ask for your prayers for mercy and forgiveness for him.”

The ninth edition of the “Diyafa Film Festival” 2025 at Dubai Festival City kicked off on Tuesday evening, a special edition dedicated to the memory of the legendary Abdel Halim Hafez. Helmy attended the opening ceremony and took photos on the red carpet on the first day, but his sudden absence from the next day’s honoring drew attention until he later revealed the reason.