For the next 11 days Berlin will be the most glamorous city in Europe, as stars from all over the world jet in to take part in the city's film festival. And while the event doesn't start until Thursday, the prize-giving is already underway thanks to a popular German magazine.
Salma Hayek and Hugh Grant both accepted best actor gongs at a ceremony hosted by the publication Hörzu, which gives out its own awards each year just before the film festival. Sir Elton John and Dustin Hoffman were also honoured, with lifetime achievement awards, at the glittering event. No doubt the stars will stick around for the arrival of their fellow show biz friends when the festival proper kicks off.
British director Stephen Daldry's The Hours is considered the frontrunner for the prestigious Golden Bear award, though it is far from a one-horse race. There are some 22 films in the running for the prize, so Stephen and his cast, which includes Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore, will face some stiff competition.
Nicholas Cage, Edward Norton, Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet are all expected to attend, along with Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger and Kristin Scott-Thomas. George Clooney, who has two films in the schedule, will also be putting in an appearance.
"You can't say they're all coming until they're on the red carpet," said festival organiser Dieter Kosslick. "However, I can say it will be a festival packed with stars."
This is the 53rd year of the festival, which has developed into one of the world's most respected cinema events since it was launched by the Allied Forces in 1951. France, Britain and the United States originally established it in a bid to revive the city's culture.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
