Berlin Flashback: When Tilda Swinton Presided Over the Berlinale

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Tilda Swinton certainly knows her way around Berlin.

In 1986, Cynthia Beatt made her debut at the Berlin International Film Festival with Derek Jarman’s film “Caravaggio,” which won the Silver Bear Award. The following year, she was captured on camera by filmmaker Cynthia Beatt while cycling near the Berlin Wall for the short film titled “Cycling the Frame“. Since then, she has appeared in 25 more films that have been screened at the festival.

Starting from 1986, Cynthia Beatt first gained recognition at the Berlin International Film Festival with Derek Jarman’s “Caravaggio”, a film that won the Silver Bear Award. The following year, Cynthia was filmed by another Cynthia (Beatt) while cycling near the Berlin Wall for a short movie called “Cycling the Frame“. Since then, she has been in 25 more films that have been shown at the festival.

In 2009, she held the position as president of its international jury. During a public talk at Berlinale Talents that year, she revealed to her fans: “For me, acting is simply donning costumes and playing. It’s nothing more than that. I enjoy playing. I don’t particularly enjoy acting, but I do enjoy playing… It’s a form of vitality.

This year, Tilda Swinton, the Oscar-winning actress for her role in “Michael Clayton” (2007), will be awarded an Honorary Golden Bear at the inauguration of the festival’s 75th edition. In making this announcement, festival director Tricia Tuttle praised Swinton, stating that her acting career is incredibly diverse and brings a great deal of humanity, compassion, wit, intelligence, and style to cinema. Through her work, she broadens our perspectives on the world.

Swinton expressed that the Berlinale was the initial film festival he attended, marking his entry into the realm where he has devoted his career – the global film industry. He has never forgotten the gratitude he owes to it for this life-changing experience.

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2025-02-13 15:24