Kenya's Lupita Nyong'o is strutting into history as she heads this year's Berlin Film Festival jury.
The Berlin Film Festival kicked off on Thursday, February 15.
"Let the festivities begin! I’m so honoured to be this year’s @berlinale Jury President and look forward to celebrating one of the things I love most: cinema! @boss," Lupita wrote on her Instagram.
Nyong'o's appointment as the jury president makes her the first black person to head the prestigious jury since the festival's inception.
Joining Nyong'o on the jury are actor-directors Brady Corbet and Jasmine Trinca, as well as directors Ann Hui, Petzold, and Albert Serra, along with Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.
Lupita, present at the opening ceremony of the prestigious event, noted the value of inclusivity and the wealth of varied viewpoints that emerge when individuals from diverse backgrounds unite.
"That's the beauty of bringing people together from different backgrounds, we respond to different things. We have a lot of world experience and opinions, and it's gonna be interesting. It's probably also gonna be spicy," the Oscar Award-winning actress expressed.
Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, is one of the world's leading film festivals and one of the "Big Three" alongside Cannes and Venice.
It was founded in West Berlin in 1951, during the Cold War era, as a showcase of Western cinema in the divided city.
The festival has since evolved into a major cultural event, showcasing films from around the world and serving as a platform for filmmakers to present their work to international audiences.
Over the years, the Berlinale has grown in prestige and influence, with its Golden Bear award being one of the most coveted prizes in the film industry.
The festival has also adapted to changing times and political landscapes, with notable moments including the inclusion of Eastern European cinema after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in recent years.
Today, the Berlin International Film Festival continues to attract filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, cementing its status as a key event in the international film calendar.
