Menu
English

'It Was My Portal into the World in which I Have Made My Life’s Work': Tilda Swinton Honored with Golden Bear at 75th Berlin Film Festival

Tilda Swinton

A celebrated return for the actress who calls Berlin her cinematic home.

Tilda Swinton is set to receive the Honorary Golden Bear at the opening ceremony of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. For the acclaimed actress, this recognition marks a full-circle moment in her storied career.

A Long History with Berlinale

Swinton’s connection with Berlin runs deep. In 1986, she made her first festival appearance with Derek Jarman’s Caravaggio, which won the Silver Bear. Two years later, she biked alongside the Berlin Wall for Cynthia Beatt’s short film Cycling the Frame. Over the decades, Swinton has starred in more than 25 films that have screened at Berlinale.

Her bond with the festival reached new heights in 2009 when she served as president of the international jury. During a Berlinale Talents talk that year, she reflected on her artistic approach, sharing:

"For me, acting is dressing up and playing. It’s nothing more than that. I love to play. I don’t like to act, but I do like to play.… It’s a kind of aliveness."

Tilda Swinton

Honoring a Cinematic Icon

Announcing the award, festival director Tricia Tuttle praised Swinton’s impact on cinema:

"The range of Tilda Swinton’s work is breathtaking. To cinema, she brings so much humanity, compassion, intelligence, humor, and style, expanding our ideas of the world through her work."

Swinton expressed her gratitude and described her lifelong bond with the festival:

"The Berlinale is the first film festival I ever went to…. It was my portal into the world in which I have made my life’s work — the world of international filmmaking — and I have never forgotten the debt I owe it."

Swinton’s latest role is in Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door, adding another chapter to a career defined by artistic exploration. As Berlinale honors her extraordinary contributions, Swinton’s cinematic journey returns to where it all began — at a festival that shaped her path and inspired her passion for storytelling.

After 30 Years, Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' Moves Forward — But the 'Incredibles' Franchise Faces a Creative Shift After 30 Years, Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' Moves Forward — But the 'Incredibles' Franchise Faces a Creative Shift Read more 11 June 2025
Johnny Depp’s Personal Turmoil Disrupted Production of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' Johnny Depp’s Personal Turmoil Disrupted Production of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' Read more 11 June 2025
'The Materialists' Scores 90% on Rotten Tomatoes: Praised for Modern Take on Love and Relationships 'The Materialists' Scores 90% on Rotten Tomatoes: Praised for Modern Take on Love and Relationships Read more 11 June 2025
If 'Echo Valley' Is on Your Watchlist, These 8 Tense Dramas Should Be Too If 'Echo Valley' Is on Your Watchlist, These 8 Tense Dramas Should Be Too Read more 11 June 2025
Mismatched Duo Faces Chaos: First Look at Amazon's 'The Pickup' with Murphy, Davidson, and Palmer Mismatched Duo Faces Chaos: First Look at Amazon's 'The Pickup' with Murphy, Davidson, and Palmer Read more 11 June 2025
'Jurassic Park Rebirth' Unveils Specialty Posters and International Artwork Ahead of July 2 Release 'Jurassic Park Rebirth' Unveils Specialty Posters and International Artwork Ahead of July 2 Release Read more 11 June 2025
Unseen No More: Polanski's Acclaimed 'An Officer and a Spy' to Debut in NYC This August Unseen No More: Polanski's Acclaimed 'An Officer and a Spy' to Debut in NYC This August Read more 11 June 2025
Unravelling the Sinclairs: Prime Video’s 'We Were Liars' Arrives June 2025 Unravelling the Sinclairs: Prime Video’s 'We Were Liars' Arrives June 2025 Read more 11 June 2025
Looking for Something as Disturbing as 'It', 'The Mist' or 'Saw'? You Might’ve Missed This Netflix Horror — 86% on Rotten Tomatoes Looking for Something as Disturbing as 'It', 'The Mist' or 'Saw'? You Might’ve Missed This Netflix Horror — 86% on Rotten Tomatoes Read more 11 June 2025
Next-Gen Sci-Fi: Why Apple TV+ Beats Netflix — These 4 Brilliant Series Prove It Next-Gen Sci-Fi: Why Apple TV+ Beats Netflix — These 4 Brilliant Series Prove It Read more 11 June 2025
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Read more