On Monday, Benedict Cumberbatch was honored with the Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival, where he highlighted the importance of acknowledging male grief and emotional vulnerability. The acclaimed actor spoke passionately about the cultural benefits of addressing these themes, emphasizing how his latest work contributes to this crucial conversation.
Recognition at Zurich Film Festival and Career Reflections
Festival director Christian Jungen praised Cumberbatch as
“one of the most versatile and charismatic actors of today’s cinema.”
The actor, visibly moved, expressed gratitude for the support of his family and collaborators who
“dared to take a chance on him.”
Reflecting on his journey, Cumberbatch shared,
“I like the idea of continuing, not retiring,”
signaling his enduring commitment to his craft.
Known for his roles in high-profile projects such as The Imitation Game and The Power of the Dog, both earning him Academy Award nominations, Cumberbatch captivated the Zurich audience with The Thing with Feathers, a film he also produced through his SunnyMarch company alongside Andrea Cornwell, Leah Clarke, and Adam Ackland.
Spotlight on Male Grief Through Film
The Thing with Feathers, written and directed by Dylan Southern and inspired by Max Porter’s book Grief Is the Thing With Feathers, portrays Cumberbatch as a widowed father striving to raise his two sons alone. The film’s exploration of grief through a male perspective resonated deeply with the actor, who remarked that it
“shines a light on male grief.”
Cumberbatch described his character’s struggle as
“a man facing up to his limitations as he deals with the pressure of work, life, raising kids, all while his sense of self is just brutalized by grief.”
Addressing the audience in Zurich, he underscored the relevance of such themes today:
“If we lean into such subjects as male emotion, grief, family, that’s a good thing for culture – especially in this day and age.”
He further commented on societal challenges, noting,
“There are a lot of children who didn’t have the right kind of love that are now running the world. And that creates a lot of toxic anger.”
Career Highlights and Artistic Approach
Cumberbatch’s career rose to international stardom, with notable performances in Sherlock, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, 12 Years a Slave, and Patrick Melrose. He also lent his voice to the character Smaug in The Hobbit. Reflecting on his work as Smaug, he shared,
“It was like being a kid, ignoring the fact that others are watching.”
His venture into superhero films began when Marvel cast him as Doctor Strange. Initially skeptical about the character’s portrayal, he quipped,
“It was pretty exciting and then I did a deep dive into the comics. I went: ‘Hang on. This guy is pretty misogynistic. He’s got a lot of chest hair. This dude needs a makeover!’”
However, Cumberbatch grew to appreciate the spiritual depth he could bring to the role. He explained,
“This idea of bringing something of true spirituality into a tentpole franchise, something that cracks open the idea that you might think you control the world but actually everyone has the potential to be a healer, we heal other and ourselves… I thought it was pretty inspiring. And he’s fucking cool, too.”
On the physical demands of the role, he remarked,
“I loved the bodily transformation of getting into that superhero form.”
Embracing creative freedom within a large franchise, he said,
“To play in that big sandpit and [embrace] this idea that you can be loose and free with the script even in the midst of this juggernaut of a multi-million dollar franchise is extraordinary – the balls to do that. It was something I learned watching Downey Jr. and Tom Holland, going: ‘I can have some fun and play.’”
Working with Renowned Filmmakers and Personal Experiences
Recalling his early career experiences with acclaimed directors, Cumberbatch stated,
“I was lucky enough to be working as an actor, but at this level? Very, very lucky.”
He mentioned his time on Steven Spielberg’s film War Horse:
“You step in and you don’t know what the ride is going to be like. I didn’t have any expectations – just wanted to have my experience with them. To be on the first day of a Spielberg film with a field of horses charging at my command, with him going ‘action!,’ I thought: ‘This is the movies, baby.’”
Commitment to Supporting New Filmmakers and Storytelling
Beyond acting, Cumberbatch has taken on producing roles to foster creative environments, especially for emerging talent. He conveyed the practical motivations behind producing:
“I had some pragmatic reasons [for producing], like wanting to create an environment for crews and creatives people would want to come back to.”
He expressed enthusiasm for being involved from the inception to the delivery of a project, stating,
“The stuff that’s really exciting is when you’re in the room at the beginning, at its inception and then again at the end, when you’re delivering it to the audience. Like today. We’ve got some things cooking,”
and emphasized the importance of
“character-driven fare that’s cinematic and has a purpose,”
with a focus on supporting first-time filmmakers and highlighting women in leading roles.
A Lighthearted Moment Amid the Intensity
Closing his speech with candor, Cumberbatch apologized for his tiredness, saying,
“I had three hours of sleep. I blame Noel and Liam Gallagher for being brilliant,”
after attending an Oasis concert alongside actress Claire Foy.
“Claire Foy was there too. It was so good.”
The Broader Impact of Cumberbatch’s Advocacy
Benedict Cumberbatch’s appearance at the Zurich Film Festival and his work in The Thing with Feathers reflect a growing cultural acknowledgement of male emotional expression and grief. By engaging audiences with these themes and supporting meaningful storytelling through his production efforts, he is contributing to a shift in how grief and vulnerability are perceived, particularly in men.
His continued prominence in film and his dedication to elevating character-driven projects suggest that Cumberbatch will remain an influential figure in shaping narratives that challenge traditional norms and promote empathy in contemporary culture.
