Lupita Nyong’o Makes History as First Black Head of Berlinale Jury

Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o has made history as the first black head of the Berlin International Film Festival jury, known as the Berlinale. 

This event is one of the top five global film festivals and needs more diversity in its leadership historically. Nyong’o will lead the jury in selecting winners for the Golden and Silver Bear categories. 

The Cannes, Venice, Sundance, and Toronto festivals have also faced criticism for their lack of diversity. Nyong’o expressed her honour at the appointment, emphasizing how diversity enriches the jury’s decision-making process.

“That’s the beauty of bringing people together from different backgrounds – we respond to different things. We have a lot of world experience and opinions, and it will be interesting. It’s probably also gonna be spicy,” said Nyong’o, who won an Oscar for 12 Years A Slave in 2014.

The festival’s directors praised Nyong’o’s versatility and ability to engage diverse audiences. The event will be held on February 25, with three African entries among the top contenders, each telling stories from the continent.