KVIFF 2026 Awards Celebration

There is a profound sense of restoration that follows revisiting a place, especially one as visually intoxicating as Karlovy Vary. After some time away, walking through the Neo-Renaissance Mill Colonnade and wandering the cobblestone roads toward candy-colored villas that nestle among lush mountains and winding Teplá river channels is truly restorative. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the festival, adding a celebratory mood to the experience.

The opening night was an evening defined by glamour and cinematic celebration. A highly produced song and dance number showcased Czech singers performing covers of film music in a medley that wove together images and memories of the festival’s long history. The event also recognized some of cinema’s biggest names, as Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jesse Eisenberg both received the President’s Award, while Dustin Hoffman was honored with the Crystal Globe. The night was capped off by the screening of Juan Cabral and Santiago Franco’s “The Match,” a crowd-pleasing choice that provided a perfect prelude to the World Cup games being enjoyed by many attendees.

The days that followed were filled with further accolades. Three-time Academy Award-winning cinematographer Robert Richardson, celebrated for his work with figures like Oliver Stone, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese, earned a Crystal Globe. During the festival, he also had the opportunity to witness the world premiere of his raw documentary, “Robert Richardson: The White Devil.”

Other stars were also honored throughout the event. Harvey Keitel returned for a third visit, sharing a touching sentiment about being part of the KVIFF community. Jeffrey Wright ultimately accepted the President’s Award, a moment amplified when the festival announced it would screen “Basquiat,” an actor’s breakout role that had captivated audiences decades ago. Actress Magda Vášáryová and Juliette Binoche also received Crystal Globes.

The quality of the programming, curated by Executive Director Kryštof Mucha and Artistic Director Karel Och, continues to be a highlight. The festival expertly balances major international showcases from Sundance, Berlinale, and Cannes with an emphasis on new voices and premieres from Central Europe, ensuring that local filmmaking talent stands alongside global creators.

The competition sections offered diverse and compelling choices. In the Promixa competition, films like Isabelle Tollenaere’s immigrant drama “Paris Paris” and Giovanni C. Lorusso’s environmentalist thriller “Homo Sive Natura” were personal favorites. The jury recognized “Lover, Not a Fighter” as the top prize in Promixa, reflecting a knack for lighthearted storytelling.

In the Crystal Globe competition, judging panels selected films that explored deep emotional territory. While “Black Money for White Nights” was a strong contender, the award ultimately went to Aung Phyoe’s intense queer romance “Fruit Gathering,” marking the first film from Myanmar to compete in the main competition. Helena Třeštíková’s documentary, “Bára – Diary of a Rockstar,” also received the Pravo audience award.

Despite the packed schedule, the festival offered moments of serene reflection. A favorite way to connect with the setting was hiking through the Slavkov forest, where climbing higher and higher reveals a humbling perspective on Karlovy Vary. Reaching the summit of the Diana Observational Tower, one can see the town spread out like a storybook, nestled in a sea of verdant trees. It is a wonderful reminder that even the best cinema captures this sense of perspective.