French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop's documentary, "Dahomey," has clinched the prestigious Golden Bear for best film at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. The film delves into the restitution of African royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey to present-day Benin and examines the cultural impact of their return on the Benin community. Notably, Jury president Lupita Nyong'o, the first Black and African to chair the Berlinale jury, announced Diop's victory. Furthermore, Hong Sangsoo's "A Traveler's Needs" received the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, while Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias won Best Director for "Pepe."

Sebastian Stan's outstanding performance in Aaron Schimberg's "A Different Man" snagged him the Silver Bear for best leading performance, with Emily Watson earning the best supporting actor honor for her role in Tim Mielants' "Small Things Like These." The festival also brought attention to socio-political issues, as seen when the special documentary prize was awarded to "No Other Land," shedding light on Israeli-Palestinian relations amidst the conflict in Gaza.

As the festival concluded under the artistic direction of Carlo Chatrian — soon to be succeeded by Tricia Tuttle — there were also wins for Matthias Glasner's "Sterben" and The Devil's Bath" directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala. Overall, the 74th Berlin International Film Festival showcased a diverse range of impactful films, with "Dahomey" standing out as a powerful and thought-provoking work that captivated audiences and critics alike.