BERLIN, Germany – The prestigious 74th Berlinale award ceremony has commenced, featuring 20 films competing for the coveted Golden and Silver Bear awards. Movie enthusiasts can witness the gala live on the Berlinale website or through the festival’s YouTube channel, making it accessible to a global audience.
Leading the international jury that will determine the winners is acclaimed actor Lupita Nyong’o, known for her roles in Oscar-winning films “12 Years a Slave” and “Black Panther”. This year’s Berlinale marks the final edition under the artistic direction of Carlo Chatrian, who will be succeeded by Tricia Tuttle, an accomplished director with previous experience at the London Film Festival.
Chatrian’s tenure at the Berlinale has elicited mixed reactions from critics. While some commend his focus on auteur and art house cinema from non-mainstream sources, others lament the absence of big studio and Hollywood productions. For his farewell showcase, Chatrian has remained true to his cinematic convictions, curating a competition lineup that boasts lesser-known names but brims with artistic credibility.
Notable highlights of the 2024 festival include the Iranian drama “My Favourite Cake” by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, the German melodrama “Sterben” (English: “Dying”) by Matthias Glasner, the French-German coming-of-age tale “Langue Étrangère” by Claire Burger, and Mati Diop’s documentary “Dahomey,” which explores the restitution of looted art to Africa.
While the Berlinale prides itself on promoting emerging talent, a few familiar faces have a chance to secure wins. Cillian Murphy, star of “Oppenheimer,” is nominated for his role in the Berlinale opener “Small Things Like These.” Rooney Mara features in the kitchen drama “La Cocina” by Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios, and Isabelle Huppert stars in Hong Sangsoo’s competition entry “A Traveler’s Needs.”
As the award winners for the 74th Berlinale are awaited, film enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Award, as well as the GWFF Best First Feature Award, the Berlinale Documentary Award, and the Berlinale Short Film Awards. The eventual victors will join the prestigious ranks of past winners and contribute to the rich legacy of the Berlin International Film Festival.