The 75th Berlinale, one of Germany’s most prestigious film festivals, concluded just one day before the country’s general elections. Unlike last year’s controversial ceremony, the 2024 Berlinale kept the spotlight firmly on cinema. Norwegian filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud’s Drømmer (Dreams (Sex Love)), which explores relationships and human emotions, won the Golden Bear for Best Film.
Key Winners of the 2024 Berlinale
The 2024 festival saw several films and performances win recognition for their excellence. These awards highlighted a range of cinematic talent across various genres.
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Golden Bear for Best Film: Drømmer (Dreams (Sex Love)), directed by Dag Johan Haugerud, impressed judges with its deep portrayal of relationships and the complexities of love.
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Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize: O último azul (The Blue Trail), directed by Gabriel Mascaro, took home this prestigious award. The film stood out for its bold storytelling and stunning visuals.
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Silver Bear Jury Prize: El Mensaje, directed by Iván Fund, captivated the jury with its intense and moving narrative.
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Best Director: Huo Meng received the Best Director award for his direction of Living The Land. The film captured the struggles of rural life and resonated deeply with audiences.
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Best Leading Performance: Rose Byrne won Best Leading Performance for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Critics and viewers alike praised her portrayal of a complex character.
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Best Supporting Performance: Andrew Scott earned the award for his supporting role in Blue Moon. His emotional performance stood out in the film.
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Best Screenplay: Radu Jude’s Kontinental ’25 received acclaim for its innovative and thought-provoking script.
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Outstanding Artistic Contribution: Lucile Hadžihalilović earned the Outstanding Artistic Contribution award for her work on La Tour de Glace. Critics hailed her unique visual style and atmospheric storytelling.
Politics at the Berlinale
The 2024 Berlinale, while less politically charged than the previous year, still saw some moments of controversy. Romanian director Radu Jude, known for his politically charged films, made waves with a speech addressing rising issues in society. He condemned techno-capitalism and warned of the growing influence of the far-right AfD party. In a lighter moment, Jude quipped: “Let’s hope next year’s Berlinale doesn’t open with Triumph of the Will,” referring to the infamous Nazi propaganda film by Leni Riefenstahl.
Despite these political remarks, the festival stayed true to its core mission of celebrating cinema. Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle kept the focus on global film. The event saw a strong turnout, with 330,000 tickets sold, despite transportation strikes in Berlin. People praised the festival for offering a selection of films that was as diverse and powerful as ever.
Political Context and the Festival’s Future
The 2024 Berlinale took place amid the uncertainty of Germany’s upcoming general elections. While the festival focused on the films, the elections loomed large over the event. The outcome of the elections could shape the future of the festival. Political changes could impact government funding for the arts, which in turn would affect major cultural events like the Berlinale.
As Germany prepares for a shift in leadership, the role of the Berlinale in the country’s cultural landscape is up in the air. The festival has long been a symbol of Germany’s commitment to international cinema. However, shifting political priorities could either support or challenge the festival’s mission to showcase global art. While 2024 marked a successful year for the Berlinale, the future of the festival in 2026 remains uncertain, depending on how political changes play out.
As Germany’s political landscape shifts, the future of the Berlinale may face new challenges. Whether the festival can continue to grow and remain a key player in global cinema will depend on how the country’s leaders address cultural funding and support for the arts.
For now, the 2024 Berlinale has left audiences with much to look forward to. With an impressive lineup of films and performances, the festival has successfully celebrated the power of cinema, even amid the political uncertainty. The 2026 edition may have new hurdles to overcome, but for now, the Berlinale remains a beacon of artistic expression in an ever-changing world.
For more news updates on global film festivals and political developments in Germany, visit Euro News 24.