The prestigious Berlinale Camera award will find a new home with one of the most celebrated composers of our generation. The 76th Berlin International Film Festival has announced that British-German contemporary composer and artist Max Richter will be the distinguished recipient of this honour in 2026.
A Celebration of Cinematic Sound
The award ceremony is scheduled for February 18, 2026, at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. Adding a deeply personal touch to the event, the laudatory speech will be delivered by Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao. Richter and Zhao recently collaborated on her latest film, Hamnet, solidifying a powerful creative partnership. Following the presentation, attendees can look forward to an engaging panel discussion featuring Richter himself.
Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle praised Richter's unique contribution to cinema, stating his work goes far beyond simple accompaniment. She emphasised that his compositions are narratives in their own right, making the heart of a story audible and profoundly transforming cinematic language.
The Architect of Modern Film Scores
Max Richter is universally recognised for redefining the boundaries of film music. His signature style, a masterful blend of classical composition techniques with electronic elements, creates immersive soundscapes that elevate visual storytelling. His influence is backed by staggering numbers, including over one billion streams and a shelf of prestigious awards.
His iconic filmography includes scores for:
- Waltz with Bashir (2008) – for which he won the European Film Award.
- Ad Astra (2019) – earning him a Grammy nomination.
- Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
- The acclaimed HBO series The Leftovers (2014-2017)
His recent projects, including Spaceman (2024) and the upcoming Hamnet (2025), continue to demonstrate his visionary approach. Richter's connection with the Berlinale runs deep, having served as a mentor at the Berlinale Talent Campus in 2009 and returning in 2024 for the world premiere of Spaceman.
Beyond the Silver Screen: A Solo Legacy
While his film work is legendary, Richter's impact extends powerfully into the realm of modern classical music. His seminal album The Blue Notebooks, even two decades after its release, continues to captivate new listeners. However, his most ambitious project remains SLEEP (2015), an 8.5-hour orchestral work co-created with Yulia Mahr, designed to be experienced during sleep. It stands as one of the 21st century's most culturally significant classical endeavours. His latest solo offering, In A Landscape, was released in 2024.
The Berlinale Camera award to Max Richter is not just a recognition of past achievements but a celebration of an artist who continues to shape the audible soul of cinema and contemporary music.
