Synonyms by Nadav Lapid won the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. François Ozon was awarded the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize for his film By the Grace of God.
The 69th Berlin International Film Festival, which took place from February 7 through 17, 2019, and whose jury president was Juliette Binoche, awarded its main prizes during the Closing Night ceremony on Saturday, February 15. Films produced or coproduced by France were high on the awards lists.
Synonyms by Nadav Lapid, produced, distributed, and sold by SBS, received the Golden Bear, the festival's top award, which was presented by Juliette Binoche. The film recounts the story of a young Israeli who arrives in Paris in the hope that France and the French language will save him from the madness of his country.
The jury also singled out François Ozon and By the Grace of God. The film, sold by Playtime, was released in French theaters on February 20.
The Glashütte Original - Documentary Award went to Talking About Trees by Suhaib Gasmelbari (France-Sudan-Germany-Chad). The film is handled internationally by Reservoir Docs.
The CICAE Art Cinema Award in the Forum section went to Our Defeats by Jean-Gabriel Périot. The film is being sold by Doc & Film International.
System K by Renaud Barret (sold by Le Pacte) received a Peace Film Prize Special Mention.
Daniel by Marine Atlan, produced by bathysphere, received a Special Mention from the Crystal Bear jury of Generation K Plus.
Agnès Varda was honored with a Berlinale Camera, presented to her by outgoing festival head Dieter Kosslick, a life achievement award that distinguishes "film personalities or institutions to which it feels particularly indebted and wishes to express its thanks."
The full list of award winners of the 69th Berlinale can be found here.
