Todd Haynes Named Jury President for the 75th Berlin International Film Festival

The Berlin International Film Festival has revealed that celebrated US director, screenwriter, and producer Todd Haynes will serve as the President of the International Jury for the festival’s landmark 75th edition. Known for his distinctive and daring approach to filmmaking, Haynes’ role adds an exciting layer to this year’s Berlinale.

Todd Haynes, a Longtime Friend of the Berlinale

“Todd Haynes is a dazzlingly gifted writer and director with an impressive range; his body of work is at once stylistically versatile but also unmistakably his. Ever since his debut feature Poison won the TEDDY AWARD in 1991, the Berlinale has followed and loved his filmmaking, and we are overjoyed to have him join the festival as the President of the International Jury for our 75th edition,” stated Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle. Haynes’ connection to the Berlinale has spanned over three decades, establishing him as a festival favourite with a loyal following.

A Pioneering Voice in Cinema

For nearly 40 years, Todd Haynes has shaped US cinema through films that delve into gender, identity, and the inner worlds of outsiders and women. His reputation for complex storytelling and visual artistry has attracted some of the world’s top actors, including Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, and Mark Ruffalo. Haynes’ films and performances have won awards at film festivals around the globe, further solidifying his place in cinematic history.

An Icon of New Queer Cinema

His debut feature, Poison, won the TEDDY AWARD at the Berlinale and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, and Haynes gained international prominence. Emerging alongside the “New Queer Cinema” movement, Poison marked Haynes as a groundbreaking filmmaker. By 2002, his Oscar-nominated Far from Heaven had established him as a significant cinematic force, furthering his commitment to films that challenge societal norms and elevate underrepresented voices.

A Career of Acclaimed Works

Throughout his career, Todd Haynes has continued to create influential films, including Safe (1995), Velvet Goldmine (1998), I’m Not There (2007), Mildred Pierce (2011), Carol (2015), Dark Waters (2019), and his latest, May December (2023). His extensive filmography has garnered widespread acclaim and serves as a testament to his talent and commitment to storytelling.