Last night, the 57th Karlovy Vary Film Festival commenced with a vibrant musical performance by Russell Crowe. The energy continued to soar as Ewan McGregor, renowned actor, arrived in town to accept the festival’s honorary President’s Award. McGregor graciously received the honor during a packed ceremony in the festival’s Grand Hall. Accompanied by his daughter Clara McGregor, mother, and partner Mary Elizabeth Winstead, McGregor expressed his gratitude to the audience, stating, “Thank you so much for being here tonight. It means the world to me. I believe so much in what we do as actors. I’m so fortunate to do what I love and I love what I do.”
The room was filled with excitement as Czech audiences are known for their warm reception of the stars who grace the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. McGregor embraced the crowd and humorously shared, “I was gonna say something in Czech and I had been trying to practice. But somebody called an ambulance because they thought I was having a medical emergency.”
During the ceremony, the festival showcased a short tribute video honoring McGregor’s remarkable performances, from “Trainspotting” to “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” The audience erupted into cheers for the latter. However, McGregor revealed that his most recent project holds a special place in his filmography. He proclaimed, “The highlight of what I’ve done today is to act with my daughter Clara McGregor.” He then invited Clara on stage to introduce their upcoming road movie, “You Sing Loud, I Sing Louder,” set to release in 2023. In the film, they portray a fictional father-daughter duo embarking on a journey filled with unexpected encounters, ultimately finding their way back to each other after a period of alienation. Directed by Emma Westenberg and written by Ruby Caster, McGregor also served as an executive producer for the film.
Alicia Vikander Is Honored and Presents “Firebrand”
At the festival’s opening ceremony, acclaimed actor Alicia Vikander was bestowed with this year’s first honorary President’s Award. Following the award presentation, the festival commenced with the screening of her latest film, “Firebrand.” The movie offers a fictionalized account of Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of England’s tyrannical King Henry VIII. Vikander portrays Parr alongside a nearly unrecognizable Jude Law, who takes on the role of King Henry. The duo premiered the film at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The Karlovy Vary Film Festival also plans to honor Robin Wright and esteemed indie producer Christine Vachon with honorary awards during the event. Vachon will additionally present her latest film, the breakout hit from Sundance, “Past Lives,” directed by Celine Song.
The Crystal Globe competition for this year’s festival will be judged by an esteemed panel, including Patricia Clarkson from “Sharp Objects,” producer Dora Bouchoucha, Sundance senior programmer John Nein, filmmaker Olmo Omerzu, and Irish actor Barry Ward.
Among the films featured in the competition lineup are “Les chambres rouges” (Red Rooms), the latest work by Canadian filmmaker Pascal Plante, and “The Hypnosis,” starring Herbert Nordrum from “The Worst Person In The World.”
The 57th Karlovy Vary Film Festival will run from June 30th to July 8th, promising an exciting showcase of talent and films for audiences to enjoy.