The 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is poised to honor four luminaries of the silver screen: Stellan Skarsgård, Vicky Krieps, Peter Sarsgaard, and Dakota Johnson. This prestigious event will celebrate their remarkable artistic contributions to world cinema, showcasing their impactful careers and influential performances. In addition to these tributes, the festival will also feature the world premiere of 'Bidad', an independent Iranian film whose inclusion was carefully kept under wraps due to the sensitive nature of its content and the safety of its filmmakers.

Celebration of Cinematic Excellence at Karlovy Vary

In the enchanting city of Karlovy Vary, from July 4 to 12, the 59th annual International Film Festival will open its doors to an array of cinematic marvels and esteemed guests. Swedish acting icon Stellan Skarsgård will be presented with the coveted Crystal Globe for his outstanding artistic contributions to global cinema. Accompanying this recognition, his latest work, 'Sentimental Value,' which previously secured the Grand Prix at the distinguished Cannes Film Festival, will be screened. Skarsgård's illustrious career spans decades, marked by pivotal roles in European cinema during the 1970s and 80s, including his Berlinale Silver Bear-winning performance in 'The Simple-Minded Murderer' (1982) and his Oscar-nominated turn in 'The Ox' (1991). His international breakthrough came with Lars von Trier's 'Breaking the Waves' (1996), leading to numerous collaborations with the director and roles in major Hollywood productions such as 'Good Will Hunting' (1997), the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' saga (2006, 2007), and various Marvel films like 'Thor' (2011) and 'Avengers.' More recently, his acclaimed portrayal of Boris Shcherbina in HBO's 'Chernobyl' (2019) earned him an Emmy nomination, followed by significant roles in Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune' films (2021, 2024) and the 'Star Wars' series 'Andor' (2022–2025).

Luxembourg's acclaimed actress Vicky Krieps will be honored with the KVIFF President’s Award at the festival's vibrant opening ceremony. Recognized for her compelling performance in 'Corsage,' for which she received a European Film Award for Best Actress and a nod at Cannes, Krieps rose to international prominence with Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Phantom Thread' (2017). Her diverse filmography includes 'The Girl in the Spider’s Web' (2018), 'Hold Me Tight' (2021), M. Night Shyamalan’s 'Old' (2021), and 'Bergman Island' (2021). The festival will also showcase 'Love Me Tender,' one of her recent projects, further cementing her status as a versatile and captivating actress.

American actor Peter Sarsgaard, celebrated for his powerful performances, will also be bestowed with the KVIFF President’s Award. Sarsgaard's career boasts numerous accolades, including the Volpi Cup from the Venice Film Festival, and nominations for Emmy and Golden Globe awards. His recent work includes Tim Fehlbaum’s 'September 5,' which premiered to critical acclaim at Venice, and a role in the Apple TV+ series 'Presumed Innocent.' Sarsgaard will also be seen in the upcoming Warner Bros. production, 'The Bride!' His award ceremony will be accompanied by a special screening of Billy Ray’s 'Shattered Glass' (2003), a film that earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

The distinguished Dakota Johnson, a U.S. actor, will receive the KVIFF President’s Award and present two of her newest cinematic endeavors. Having made her acting debut at the tender age of 10 in 'Crazy in Alabama' (1999), Johnson gained global recognition for her leading role in the 'Fifty Shades' trilogy (2015-2018). Her film credits include Scott Cooper’s 'Black Mass' (2015), Luca Guadagnino’s 'Suspiria' (2018), and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Oscar-nominated 'The Lost Daughter' (2021). As a prolific producer, Johnson co-founded TeaTime Pictures, responsible for films like 'Cha Cha Real Smooth' (2022) and 'Daddio' (2023). At Karlovy Vary, audiences will have the exclusive opportunity to view her latest projects: the romantic comedy 'Splitsville' (2025), which she also produced, and Celine Song’s 'Materialists,' co-starring Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, scheduled for a special screening on July 6.

Adding to the festival's allure, Karlovy Vary has finally unveiled the 12th and final entry in its prestigious Crystal Globe Competition: Iran's 'Bidad.' Directed by Soheil Beiraghi, this independent film tells the compelling story of Seti, a young singer defying restrictive religious laws to perform publicly. The world premiere of 'Bidad' was deliberately kept secret until now to ensure the safety of its delegation, highlighting the courage and dedication behind its creation. The festival will also host an impressive roster of international filmmakers and actors, including French actress Camille Cottin, Hungarian director Bence Fliegauf, American filmmaker Max Walker-Silverman, Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason, Mexican director Michel Franco, and Ukrainian filmmakers Mstyslav Chernov and Sergei Loznitsa, among others, each bringing their unique vision to this celebrated event.

Beyond the glamour of awards and premieres, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival serves as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression. The careful curation of films and the recognition of diverse talents from across the globe, especially in the challenging case of 'Bidad,' underscore the festival's commitment to freedom of speech and the power of storytelling. It’s a powerful reminder that cinema transcends borders, offering a mirror to society and a window into the human spirit, fostering understanding and challenging perceptions.