Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o has made history by becoming the first black head of the Berlin International Film Festival jury, where she will lead the selection of winning films in the Golden and Silver Bear categories. The event, known as Berlinale, has faced criticism for lacking diversity, and Nyong'o's appointment is seen as a significant step towards addressing this issue. The festival's directors praised Nyong'o for embodying what they value in cinema, and the event will run until 25 February, with three African entries among the 20 films competing for the top prize.
Greta Gerwig, the director and co-writer of "Barbie," "Little Women," and "Lady Bird," has been announced as the jury president for the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. She will be the first-ever female American director to hold this role and the second youngest person to do so. Cannes organizers described Gerwig as the "obvious choice" and praised her for embodying the renewal of world cinema and breaking down barriers. Gerwig expressed her excitement and honor at being named the jury president, stating that Cannes has always represented the pinnacle of the universal language of movies. The lineup for the festival will be announced in April.
Greta Gerwig, director of the blockbuster film "Barbie," will preside over the jury of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Gerwig, known for her critically acclaimed films "Lady Bird" and "Little Women," will be the first American female director to hold this role at Cannes. Her film "Barbie" grossed $1.4 billion at the box office and received nine Golden Globe nominations. The Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 14-25, 2024.
Greta Gerwig, the acclaimed American director, will make history as the first female American director to serve as Jury President at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024. Gerwig, known for her films such as "Lady Bird" and "Little Women," has achieved significant success in the film industry, including being the first woman to surpass the one billion mark at the worldwide box office. Cannes praised Gerwig for her ability to combine arthouse blockbusters with exploring contemporary feminist issues, and described her as a representative of an era breaking down barriers and elevating the values of intelligence and humanism.
Lupita Nyong'o has been named the president of the international jury for the upcoming Berlin Film Festival, becoming the second consecutive female jury president. Nyong'o, known for her versatile performances in films such as "12 Years a Slave" and "Black Panther," expressed her honor and excitement for the role. She has also been involved in producing and activism, with upcoming projects including a podcast and a series based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Americanah." This will be the last Berlin Film Festival under the current leadership, with the festival's future director to be announced soon.
