After the Berlin Film Festival, the Berlinale, it is the turn of the San Sebastian International Film Festival, in northern Spain, to “degenerate” its interpretation prizes for its 69e edition which will take place from September 17 to 25. This is a first, in order to salute above all the performance of the actors, beyond the male and female categories.
The silver shell (concha de plata), the competition’s main award, for best actor and best actress will be replaced this year by awards for best performance and best supporting role, regardless of gender, the organizers said.
“This change stems from the conviction that gender, a social and political construction, is no longer a criterion to be followed in awarding performance prizes., said festival director José Luis Rebordinos. The criterion for the jury will be to distinguish between good and bad interpretations. “
“Gender is no longer a criterion”
The 71e edition of the Berlinale had already this year was marked by gender-neutral interpretation prizes. Two women were awarded for the best performance in a leading role and in a supporting role.
“Failure to separate performance awards according to genre sends the signal for an increased sensitivity of the film industry to gender issues”, declared the duo of directors of the Berlinale. The decision responded to a demand made by trans and non-binary actresses and actors. In 2017, the star of the series Trillions, Asia Kate Dillon, already claimed gender-neutral Emmy Awards. Without success.
Still, the decision of the Berlinale could have had the effect of a simple facelift, while only 38% of the films in competition were directed by women. Some also argue that gender-neutral prices tend, in an unequal society, to favor men.
Despite the Covid-19 and certain restrictions likely to continue, the festival intends to increase the number of screenings and the number of seats in theaters compared to last year, and hopes to be able to regain a little glamorous spirit on the red carpet.