Mati Diop's documentary "Dahomey" wins the Golden Bear for best film at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, making it only the second African film to win the top prize at Berlin. The film explores the return of plundered royal treasures from Paris to Benin and features a direct political statement from Diop. Other winners include Sebastian Stan for best leading performance and Emily Watson for best supporting actor, with a special documentary prize going to "No Other Land," which addresses the political debate surrounding the war in Gaza.
French-Senegalese director Mati Diop won the Golden Bear for her documentary "Dahomey" at the Berlin Film Festival, with other awards going to films and filmmakers across various categories, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best First Feature.
Mati Diop becomes the first Black director to win the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for her documentary "Dahomey," while English-language performers Sebastian Stan and Emily Watson also receive top honors. The ceremony, marked by impassioned statements against war and social discrimination, saw a diverse range of films recognized, including a documentary on Palestinian life under Israeli occupation and a science-fiction farce. The event showcased a strong emphasis on nonfiction cinema and featured calls for a ceasefire in Gaza from winners and jurors.
The Berlin Film Festival has announced the lineup for its official competition and Encounters section, featuring 20 films including La Cocina starring Rooney Mara, Dahomey by Mati Diop, and A Traveler’s Needs starring Isabelle Huppert. The festival will also include sidebars such as Panorama, Forum, and Berlinale Special, with highlights including a documentary about British filmmakers Powell and Pressburger narrated by Martin Scorsese, and the latest feature from British filmmaker Rose Glass. Additionally, Martin Scorsese will receive the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement, and Lupita Nyong’o will head the International Jury.
