Tilda Swinton Announces Hiatus from Acting at Berlin Film Festival

Acclaimed Scottish actress Tilda Swinton has announced her decision to take a break from acting while accepting the Honorary Golden Bear Award for lifetime achievement at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. The 64-year-old performer expressed her long-standing desire to "do something different," describing cinema as a "relentless pursuit."

A Distinguished Career Spanning Decades

Swinton's remarkable journey in cinema began in 1986 with Derek Jarman's art film "Caravaggio." Her versatility as an actor has been showcased through an impressive array of roles, from mainstream blockbusters to avant-garde productions. Her filmography includes notable works such as "The Beach," "Vanilla Sky," "Adaptation," "Constantine," "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, and "Doctor Strange." In 2008, she reached a career milestone by winning both an Oscar and a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Michael Clayton."

Current Projects and Future Plans

Before beginning her hiatus, Swinton will complete her current commitments, including "The Room Next Door," where she stars alongside Julianne Moore, and Joshua Oppenheimer's first narrative feature, "The End," a post-apocalyptic musical. The actress has indicated that while she won't be filming for the remainder of the year, she plans to use this time to develop various projects, both within and outside the cinema industry.

Speaking Out on Global Issues

During her acceptance speech at the Berlin Film Festival, Swinton addressed broader global concerns, criticizing governments for their "greed" and condemning "mass killings supported by international backing." She clarified that her comments were directed at all conflicts, not specifically the situation in Gaza. Despite calls from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to boycott the Berlinale, Swinton chose to attend, stating, "I believed being present could be more beneficial for all our struggles. This was entirely a personal decision, and I take responsibility for it."