Tilda Swinton to Receive Honorary Golden Bear From Berlin Festival

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As a lifelong gamer of cinema, I can wholeheartedly say that the news of Tilda Swinton receiving the Honorary Golden Bear at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival is nothing short of exhilarating! Over the years, her performances have been a staple in my cinematic journey, from her Silver Bear-winning role in Derek Jarman’s Caravaggio to her captivating turns in Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel and the Coen brothers’ Hail, Cesar!

I’m thrilled as a gamer to announce that the 75th Berlin International Film Festival is bestowing upon me, Tilda Swinton, an honorary Golden Bear for my lifetime achievement! This prestigious award will be presented during the opening ceremony at the Berlinale Palast on February 13, 2025. I couldn’t be more honored to receive this recognition from such a renowned film festival!

Tricia Tuttle, director of the Berlinale festival, marveled at Tilda Swinton’s diverse acting abilities. She noted how Tilda infuses her roles with a remarkable blend of humanity, empathy, intelligence, wit, and style. Through her work, Tilda broadens our perspectives on the world. As one of our contemporary filmmaking icons, Tilda has also been an integral part of the Berlinale community for quite some time. We are thrilled to honor her with the Honorary Golden Bear.

For numerous decades, Swinton has been a frequent attendee at the Berlin Film Festival, appearing in twenty-six films that have been showcased across different festival sections throughout the years. Notable performances include Derek Jarman’s “Caravaggio,” which received the Silver Bear at the 1986 Berlin Film Festival, Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which kicked off the 2014 event, and the Coen brothers’ “Hail, Caesar!” which opened the 2016 festival. In 2009, Swinton held the position of president for the Berlin Competition Jury.

The Berlinale was the first film festival I attended, back in 1986 alongside Derek Jarman, and it was there where we made his film ‘Caravaggio.’ This event opened the door to the world of international filmmaking that has shaped my life’s work. I have never forgotten the gratitude I owe it. To be recognized by this festival in such a manner is incredibly moving for me; I am eagerly looking forward to returning next February and honoring, once more, the fertile ground that is this vibrant and consistently remarkable event.

Lately, Swinton has been garnering attention in the award circuit for her role in Pedro Almodóvar’s 2024 film, “The Room Next Door,” which marks his first English-language feature. In this movie, she acts alongside Julianne Moore. Swinton has recently received a Golden Globe and a best actress nomination for the Spanish Goya Awards for her performance in this film.

The 75th Berlinale runs Feb. 13-23, 2025.

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2024-12-20 14:54