Lupita Nyong'o Makes History as First Black Head of Berlin Film Festival Jury

Written By : Deborah Nicholas Antwi

Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o has shattered records as the inaugural black head of the Berlin International Film Festival jury. The Berlinale, one of the world's top five film festivals, has never had a black jury head in its 74-year history, as confirmed by organizers last year.

In her role, Nyong'o will spearhead the jury's selection of winning films in the prestigious Golden and Silver Bear categories. Major global film festivals, including Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Sundance, and Toronto, have been critiqued for their lack of diversity among jury members. It was only in 2020 that the Cannes festival, the biggest and second-oldest among them, appointed its first black jury president, American director Spike Lee.

Expressing her deep honor at the Berlinale's opening event in Germany's capital, Nyong'o highlighted the enriching diversity the jury brings to the film evaluation process. The actress's appointment signifies a positive step toward increased representation and inclusivity in the world of film festivals.