Mati Diop's 'Dahomey' Wins Golden Bear, Making History at Berlin Film Festival

The festival highlighted political engagement and the dominance of nonfiction cinema amid global conflicts.

Mati Diop's documentary 'Dahomey' wins the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, marking a historic win as the first Black director to achieve this.
'Dahomey' explores the return of plundered artifacts from France to Benin, highlighting post-imperial cultural politics.
Sebastian Stan and Emily Watson win gender-neutral acting awards for their roles in 'A Different Man' and 'Small Things Like These,' respectively.
The festival's focus on nonfiction cinema and political statements reflects a restless industry mood amid global conflicts.
Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and critiques of the Israeli government's policies were prominent during the award speeches.