Berlin, Germany – French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop’s documentary, “Dahomey,” has been awarded the Golden Bear for the best film at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. The film explores the return of plundered royal treasures from Paris to Benin, examining the complex response of the Benin culture to the artifacts. Diop made a political statement while accepting the award, expressing solidarity with Palestine. Lupita Nyong’o, the first Black and African president of the Berlinale jury, announced the winner. “Dahomey” is the second African film to win the top prize at Berlin.
Hong Sangsoo’s “A Traveler’s Needs” and Bruno Dumont’s “L’ Empire” won the Grand Jury Prize and the Jury Prize, respectively. Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias was awarded the Best Director honor for “Pepe,” while Sebastian Stan won the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance for “A Different Man.” Emily Watson received the Best Supporting Actor award for “Small Things Like These,” and Matthias Glasner won Best Screenplay for “Dying.” The documentary “No Other Land,” directed by a collective of Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, received a special prize.
Juliana Rojas, director of “Cidade; Campo,” used the Berlinale stage to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, as did the directors of “Direct Action.” Both Matthias Glasner’s “Dying” and “The Devil’s Bath” received Silver Bears. This is the last Berlinale under the direction of Carlo Chatrian and Mariëtte Rissenbeek, who will be replaced by Tricia Tuttle. Pham Ngoc Lan’s “Cu Li Never Cries” won the GWFF Best First Feature Award, and “An Odd Turn” and “Remains of the Hot Day” received the Golden Bear and Jury Prize, respectively, in the Short Film category.
This article has been reimagined and rewritten in AP News Style to provide a concise and engaging summary of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. The article highlights the winners in various categories and includes relevant context and analysis.