‘Hamnet’ Composer Max Richter to Receive Berlin Film Festival Camera Honor From Chloé Zhao

The Berlin International Film Festival will honor composer Max Richter with its Berlinale Camera award this year. The presentation will be made by acclaimed director Chloé Zhao on February 18 at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, followed by a panel discussion reviewing Richter's influential career.

Renowned for dissolving the barriers between classical and electronic music, the German-born British artist has left an indelible mark on contemporary film. His scores, streamed over a billion times, include the Golden Globe-winning "Hamnet," Ari Folman's animated documentary "Waltz with Bashir," and the haunting soundtrack for HBO's "The Leftovers." These works have earned him a European Film Award and a Grammy nomination, solidifying his reputation. Beyond cinema, Richter is known for ambitious conceptual pieces like 2004's "The Blue Notebooks" and the 8.5-hour lullaby "Sleep," created with his partner, visual artist Yulia Mahr. His latest solo album, "In A Landscape," was released last year.

Festival Director Tricia Tuttle praised the narrative quality of Richter's music, stating it "makes the heart of a story audible." This aligns with critical analysis suggesting his compositions often serve as the emotional backbone of a film, directly shaping viewer perception. The Berlinale—one of the world's premier film events alongside Cannes and Venice—has a long history with Richter. He first participated as a mentor for its Berlinale Talents program in 2009 and returned most recently for the 2024 world premiere of Johan Renck's "Spaceman," starring Adam Sandler, which features his score.

The Berlinale Camera award recognizes extraordinary contributions to cinematic culture. Its prestigious list of past recipients includes iconic figures like the late French New Wave director Agnès Varda and American independent filmmaker Richard Linklater. As film historian Dr. Lena Schmidt observed, "This award consistently identifies artists who redefine their medium, much like Richter's seamless synthesis of orchestral tradition and digital innovation." The 76th Berlinale, where Richter will be celebrated, takes place from February 12 to 22.