French-Senegalese director makes history at Berlinale; top awards for Sebastian Stan, Emily Watson

French-Senegalese director Mati Diop created history by becoming the first Black director to win the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Her documentary ‘Dahomey’ focuses on France’s return of artefacts to Benin, correcting colonial injustices. Sebastian Stan and Emily Watson also won awards for their performances. ‘No Other Land’, a documentary on Palestinian life, was another highlight of the ceremony.
The 67-minute documentary ‘Dahomey’ by Mati Diop won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, making her the first Black director to achieve this feat. The film explores France’s return of artefacts to Benin, addressing colonialist wrongs. Additionally, Sebastian Stan and Emily Watson were recognized for their outstanding performances at the prestigious event.
Sebastian Stan received the Best Leading Performance award for his role in ‘A Different Man’, while Emily Watson won for her supporting role in ‘Small Things Like These’. ‘No Other Land’, a documentary on Palestinian life under Israeli occupation, was another standout winner at the festival. Basel Adra, the film’s co-director, urged nations to halt weapons’ supply to Israel, highlighting the ongoing conflicts in the region.