Celebrated filmmaker Martin Scorsese, generating considerable buzz with his latest cinematic gem, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” is slated to receive the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival on February 20.
Directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariëtte Rissenbeek, steering the festival until the conclusion of their mandate, lauded Scorsese as an unrivaled role model for those who view cinema as an art form capable of intricately shaping narratives that are both intensely personal and universally resonant. They emphasized the enduring impact of Scorsese’s films on the collective journey of spectators and humanity at large, highlighting how his characters have become ingrained in our lives, and his exploration of history and humanity has spurred contemplation about our identities and roots.
The duo, concluding their tenure after the upcoming Berlinale edition, commended “Killers of the Flower Moon” as one of Scorsese’s pinnacle achievements, marking a zenith in his illustrious career. Scorsese’s association with the Berlin festival dates back, notably featuring the 2008 Rolling Stones concert film “Shine a Light,” which inaugurated the event. “Raging Bull” graced Berlin’s screens out of competition, while “Cape Fear” vied for top honors in 1992. “Gangs of New York” received dual screenings in 2003 and 2010, the latter in a retrospective section. “Shutter Island” made its mark out of competition in 2010, alongside the work-in-progress “Untitled New York Review of Books Documentary” in 2014, later known as “The 50 Year Argument” by HBO.
Beyond his filmmaking prowess, Scorsese’s Film Foundation contributed restored versions to the Berlinale Classics section. An advocate for festival director Chratrian, Scorsese was among the signatories supporting him in an unsuccessful petition.
The 2024 Berlinale promises a robust lineup of North American films, featuring Johan Renck’s Netflix sci-fi drama “Spaceman,” the David and Nathan Zellner-helmed “Sasquatch Sunset” with Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg, and Atom Egoyan’s “Seven Veils” starring Amanda Seyfried, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Scorsese, active since 1962, boasts an extensive collection of awards, including the Cannes Palme d’Or for “Taxi Driver,” the 2010 Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille award, and the 2012 BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award. With 91 Oscar nominations and 20 wins for his films, including the 2006 triumph of “The Departed,” Scorsese continues to leave an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
