The Honorary Golden Bear was awarded to Tilda Swinton.
Tilda Swinton, the Oscar-winning British actress, will receive the Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in recognition of her lifetime achievements in cinema.
According to Cinemadrama, Tricia Tuttle, the new director of the Berlin Festival, announced the award and praised Swinton for bringing “humanity, compassion, wit, and various styles” to cinema through her work.
Swinton’s extensive filmography includes iconic performances in films such as Orlando (directed by Sally Potter), Michael Clayton (directed by Tony Gilroy), Only Lovers Left Alive (directed by Jim Jarmusch), Snowpiercer (directed by Bong Joon-ho), The Souvenir (directed by Joanna Hogg), Suspiria (directed by Luca Guadagnino), The Grand Budapest Hotel (directed by Wes Anderson), and Pedro Almodóvar’s upcoming The Skin I Live In.
The Oscar-winning actress, who was previously the president of the main competition jury at the Berlin Film Festival in 2009, has also appeared in 26 films showcased at past Berlinale editions.
Swinton reflected on receiving the prestigious award: “The Berlinale was the first festival I attended in 1986 with Caravaggio by Derek Jarman. It was the window into a world where I built my career and life, and I have never forgotten my debt to Berlinale. This honorary award from the festival means a great deal to me, and I am honored to return again this February.”
Tricia Tuttle, the director of the festival, who will make her debut at the Berlinale in February 2025, added, “Swinton is a modern filmmaking icon, and she has long been a part of the Berlinale family. We are delighted to present her with this honorary Golden Bear.”
The award will be presented at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, held at the Berlinale Palast on February 13, 2025. Last year, at the 74th Berlin Film Festival, Martin Scorsese received the Honorary Golden Bear.
The 75th edition of the festival will take place from February 13 to 23, 2025 (25th Bahman to 5th Esfand). This year, American director Todd Haynes will head the jury of the main competition. Additionally, Light, the latest feature film by Tom Tykwer, will be the opening film of the event.
