Myanmar Film 'The Fruit Collectors' Wins Top Prize at Karlovy Vary Festival 2026
The 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic awarded its grand prize to "The Fruit Collectors," a Myanmar film about the friendship and evolving romance between two factory workers in a rural area. Director Aung Pyoa, who called it his first film and first award, expressed deep gratitude to his producers, mother, and partner during the ceremony.
The festival, one of the oldest and most respected globally, also honored acting talents: Hassan Saad, a 70-year-old non-professional actor, won Best Actor for the Lebanese-Saudi-Qatari film "Pipes," while Anna Schinz received Best Actress for her role in the Swiss social drama "Happy Family." Schinz was visibly emotional, recalling her son's hope that she would bring home a football trophy.
Danish director Mads Møngal won Best Director for his debut film "The Guest," which also received a special jury prize. He dedicated his award to his family and humorously thanked his fiancée for reminding him to acknowledge his "hot wife."
Lifetime achievement awards were presented to French actress Juliette Binoche and American actor Jeffrey Wright. Binoche, president of the European Film Academy, was recognized for her outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema. She reflected on the importance of artists giving voice to those in conflict zones like Palestine, Lebanon, and Ukraine. Wright, who joined from London where he is filming, praised Karlovy Vary as his favorite festival and emphasized art's power to unite amid global divisions.
Notably, there was no Israeli presence at this year's festival, despite Karlovy Vary's history of appreciating Israeli cinema with past awards. The ceremony also paid tribute to cinema figures who passed away in the last year, including festival friend Edna Feiner and stars like Robert Redford and Diane Keaton.
The festival continues to be a significant platform for international cinema, celebrating diverse voices and stories from around the world.
