Tilda Swinton Gets Political While Accepting Berlinale Golden Bear: ‘Mass Murder Is Currently Terrorizing More Than One Part of Our World’

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At the Berlin Film Festival’s opening ceremony on Thursday evening, Tilda Swinton expressed her political views while accepting the Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement, stating, “Cruelty towards humanity is happening under our very eyes.

In a heartfelt address, Swinton praised the festival as a place where boundaries don’t exist and everyone is welcome, without any discrimination, oppression, or forced removal. She also acknowledged that terrible acts of mass murder carried out by governments and supported by other nations are causing fear in various regions around the world, but did not provide details.

She went on to say, “These are truths we must confront. To ensure understanding, let’s call it what it is. We are witnessing cruelty that should not be tolerated. I am here to openly denounce this reality and offer my firm support to everyone who acknowledges the unconscionable apathy of our governments, driven by greed, as they align with those causing environmental destruction and violence, regardless of their origin.

The Oscar-winning actress received the award from director Edward Berger, who will be working with her on the upcoming movie titled “The Ballad of a Small Player”, known for helming “Conclave”.

Tilda Swinton is so talented that numerous filmmakers have chosen to cast her in their productions not once, but twice – a fact Berger emphasized, while gesturing towards Todd Haynes in the audience, who currently holds the position of jury president, suggesting hopefully that this might happen in his future projects.

As a passionate cinephile delving into the artistry of Swinton’s films, I found myself deeply moved by the profound connection between the filmmaker and their work. In my personal exploration, it became clear that for you, the filmmaker takes precedence over the storyline. The magic lies in the symbiotic relationship with the auteur, where exceptional films are born. Your performances serve as gateways, transporting us to countless realms of imagination and emotion.

As Swinton’s eyes welled up, Berger remarked, “Your dramatic flair truly shines when you take risks. It seems to you that it’s more meaningful to try and possibly fail than to play it safe. We stand to gain a great deal of insight from your boldness, Tilda.

Swinton has been deeply connected with the Berlinale for numerous years, gracing 26 films screened at the festival, such as “Caravaggio” which earned a Silver Bear in 1986; “The Beach” from 2000; “Derek” and “Julia,” both from 2008; “The Garden” from 1991; and most recently “Last and First Men” in 2020. Additionally, she served as the head of Berlinale’s main jury back in 2009.

Lately, Swinton has been seen in “The Room Next Door,” her second project with Pedro Almodóvar, as well as Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The End.” She is also recognized for her work with Wes Anderson, having starred in films such as “Moonrise Kingdom,” “The French Dispatch,” and the upcoming “Asteroid City.” In 2007, she won an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in “Michael Clayton.”

Swinton has recently been featured in “The Room Next Door” alongside Pedro Almodóvar, as well as in Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The End”. She is also famous for her collaborations with Wes Anderson, which include “Moonrise Kingdom,” “The French Dispatch,” and the upcoming film “Asteroid City.” Swinton was awarded an Oscar for best supporting actress in 2007 due to her performance in “Michael Clayton.”)

The Berlin Film Festival runs through Feb. 23.

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2025-02-13 22:50