The 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will honor globally recognized actors Dakota Johnson, Stellan Skarsgård, and Vicky Krieps with prestigious awards, highlighting their recent achievements and artistic impact. The event, held in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, features a star-studded lineup, with the Dakota Johnson Karlovy Vary Film Festival moments drawing special attention as honorees showcase new work.
Special Recognition for Stellan Skarsgård and Festival Highlights
Stellan Skarsgård is set to receive the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema. As part of the festival, he will introduce “Sentimental Value,” a film by Joachim Trier that recently took the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. The presentation allows audiences an exclusive look at this acclaimed drama, further cementing Skarsgård’s reputation in global cinema circles.
Dakota Johnson, Vicky Krieps, and Peter Sarsgaard to Receive President’s Award
In addition to Skarsgård’s honor, Dakota Johnson, Vicky Krieps, and Peter Sarsgaard will each be presented with the President’s Award. Johnson comes with her latest comedy, “Splitsville,” directed by Michael Angelo Covino, and Celine Song’s unique romantic comedy “Materialists.” Sarsgaard will return for a screening of the noted 2003 journalism film “Shattered Glass.” Krieps is set to present her emotional drama “Love Me Tender,” offering festival audiences fresh and diverse storytelling perspectives.
International Filmmakers and Premieres on the Program
The festival will also showcase a collection of renowned filmmakers and actors. Jay Duplass, known for his work as a director, actor, and screenwriter, attends with his bittersweet comedy “The Baltimorons.” Camille Cottin, acclaimed French actress, will have the world premiere of “Out of Love.” Central European cinema gets a spotlight as Hungarian director Bence Fliegau debuts “Jimmy Jaguar” and Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason introduces “The Love That Remains.” Mexican director Michel Franco brings the new film “Dreams,” while Sergei Loznitsa of Georgia will show “Two Prosecutors.” Dea Kulumbegashvili, also from Georgia, reveals her second feature, “April,” and Max Walker-Silverman arrives with “Rebuilding,” featuring notable performances by Josh O’Connor.
New Entries and a Tribute to Jiří Bartoška
The festival marks the first screening of a new film starring Josh O’Connor, in addition to a thriller led by Andrea Riseborough.
The final competition entry, “Bidad,” by Iranian director Soheil Beiraghi, was announced only recently. Its participation had initially remained confidential
“to protect the safety of the film’s delegation”
while they traveled out of the country. —delegation
A significant tribute will celebrate the legacy of the late Jiří Bartoška, the festival’s longtime president. Organizers plan to screen the film
“We’ve Got to Frame It! (a conversation with Jiří Bartoška in July 2021),”
as well as showings of “Tiger Theory” and an exhibition titled “Jiří Bartoška – KVIFF President.” These commemorative events honor Bartoška’s enduring influence on the festival and its international reputation.
Broader Impact and Anticipation
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival’s slate this year not only celebrates accomplished artists like Dakota Johnson, Stellan Skarsgård, and Vicky Krieps, but also serves as a global stage for emerging works from talents such as Camille Cottin, Max Walker-Silverman, and Michel Franco. Featuring premieres, unique drama selections, and retrospectives, this year’s edition underscores the festival’s reputation as a key destination for cinematic excellence and vital cultural exchange. As audiences and industry figures gather, the event is poised to foster new dialogues and highlight important narratives in contemporary world cinema.
