Karlovy Vary Film Festival Honors ‘Fruit Gathering’ with Grand Prix, Recognizes ‘The Guest,’ ‘Lover, Not a Fighter,’ and ‘Incinerator’
Aung Phyoe’s film, Fruit Gathering, received the Grand Prix — Crystal Globe, the highest accolade, during the closing ceremony of the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF). This prestigious event took place in the Czech spa town, celebrating both the festival’s milestone and the artistic achievements of filmmakers worldwide.
Special Jury Prize Awarded to The Guest
The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Mads Mengel’s The Guest, featuring performances by Trine Dyrholm, Simon Bennebjerg, and Josephine Park. The jury praised Fruit Gathering as “a lush and meditative portrait of work and friendship before morphing, unexpectedly and organically, into a harrowing drama of obsession and queer desire.” They also described The Guest as “a squirmingly funny yet precisely modulated drama that subtly raises questions about motherhood, filial duty, and mental illness.”
Mengel was recognized as Best Director for The Guest, with the jury commending his ability to present a superb ensemble cast with intelligence and tonal assurance.
Notable Performances Recognized
The Best Actress award went to Anna Schinz for her role in the Swiss social drama A Happy Family, directed by Jan-Eric Mack. Ghassan Saad received the Best Actor award for his performance in Lebanese director Karim Kassem’s Pipes. Additionally, Bára — Diary of a Rockstar, directed by Helena Třeštíková, won the Právo Audience Award.
Proxima Competition Highlights
The fifth edition of KVIFF’s Proxima competition, which showcases bold works from emerging filmmakers and established auteurs, crowned Slovak director Martina Buchelová’s Lover, Not a Fighter as the Grand Prix winner. The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Japanese director Shuntaro Uchida’s Incinerator. The Proxima jury noted that Lover, Not a Fighter presents a beautiful film that captures the essence of everyday moments and relationships, emphasizing the director’s understanding of youth and the constant nature of change.
Regarding Incinerator, the jury remarked on its deceptive simplicity, highlighting the film’s layers of poetry and profundity through the perspective of a young girl who observes the unspoken tensions around her.
Additional Awards and Recognitions
Efthimis Kosemund-Sanidis received the Best Director honor in the Proxima competition for A Whole Person Almost, while a Special Mention was given to Anna and Šimon Domček’s 33 Steps. The Grand Prize of the Ecumenical Jury was awarded to Tonia Mishiali’s The Lion at My Back. The FIPRESCI prize for the best film in the Crystal Globe Competition went to Ivan Ostrochovský’s Only Beautiful Things to Look at, and the FIPRESCI honor for the best film in the Proxima Competition was awarded to Mate Ugrin’s Petty Thieves.
Celebrating 80 Years of KVIFF
The double anniversary edition of KVIFF, marking its 80th year, concluded with notable honors. Juliette Binoche received the KVIFF Crystal Globe Award for her outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema, while Jeffrey Wright was presented with the President’s Award.
KVIFF 2026 attracted a star-studded lineup, including Jesse Eisenberg, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Harvey Keitel, Robert Richardson, and Dustin Hoffman, all contributing to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-07-11 22:15:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk