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Wim Wenders, Berlinale Jury President, Warns Against National Bias in Awards

He says open, honest deliberation keeps jury decisions on track.

Overview

  • Wenders, 80, is leading the 2026 Berlinale jury and shared his views in interviews carried by German outlets via dpa.
  • He said he does not fear making a wrong call if jurors have spoken candidly with one another.
  • He identified the chief mistake as jurors backing films from their own country, stating that nationality is not a valid criterion.
  • Recalling Cannes 1989, he cited Spike Lee’s angry reaction after Do the Right Thing received no prize as an example of how outcomes can ignite strong responses.
  • He noted that prize shortages can leave excellent films unrewarded, even when they are favorites with the press.