Berlin Film Festival: Here's what to expect this season

Thursday marks the commencement of the 74th Berlin Film Festival, kicking off with the highly anticipated world premiere of "Small Things Like These," featuring the acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy in the lead role. Murphy, who is currently riding high as a frontrunner for next month's Oscars due to his remarkable performance in "Oppenheimer," portrays a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland. His character unravels startling revelations concealed by the convent in his small town.

Here are five things to look forward to at Berlinale:

Cillian's reunion with Peaky Blinders director

Adapted from an Irish novel, "Small Things Like These" brings together Cillian Murphy with "Peaky Blinders" director Tim Mielants, alongside co-stars Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, and Emily Watson. Set against the backdrop of Ireland's Magdalene laundries, the film delves into the history of these Catholic-run institutions spanning from the 18th to the late 20th century, aimed at reforming women considered "fallen."

Debate around war in Gaza
While politics always maintains a prominent presence at the Berlinale, it's the persistent conflict in Gaza that is expected to ignite discussions and protests. Festival directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian, who are concluding their tenure after this edition, emphasized their commitment to fostering "open dialogue" regarding the ongoing war. In unveiling this year's program, they voiced apprehension over the rise of antisemitism, anti-Muslim sentiments, and hate speech both in Germany and globally.

First Black jury president
At this year's Berlinale, Kenyan-Mexican actor Lupita Nyong'o will make history as the festival's inaugural Black jury president. Joining her on the panel are a diverse array of talents, including actor-directors Brady Corbet and Jasmine Trinca, directors Ann Hui, Christian Petzold, and Albert Serra, alongside Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.

Star line-up
Kristen Stewart, who chaired last year's jury, makes a comeback to Berlin with the '80s thriller "Love Lies Bleeding," a gripping narrative of bodybuilding, crime, and vengeance. The festival lineup boasts an array of diverse titles featuring renowned actors, such as Adam Sandler portraying a solitary astronaut in "Spaceman," adapted from a Czech novel; Stephen Fry and Lena Dunham starring as father and daughter embarking on a journey through post-communist Poland in "Treasure"; and Sebastian Stan, known for his Marvel roles, undergoes a stunning transformation in the psycho-thriller "A Different Man," portraying an actor altered by facial reconstruction surgery.

Lifetime achievement awards
Martin Scorsese is set to be honored with a lifetime achievement award, the honorary Golden Bear, at a ceremony scheduled for February 20. Additionally, Isabelle Huppert will make her return to Berlin to accept her previously unclaimed lifetime achievement award from 2022, which the French acting legend was unable to receive at the time. Huppert will also grace this year's festival with her presence in the film "A Traveler's Needs" by South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo.