Berlin Film Festival Faces Backlash Over Sidelining of Political Discussions

Artists and attendees criticized for avoiding political statements at the high-profile event

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The 2026 Berlin Film Festival has faced criticism for sidelining political discussions, with festival attendees like Wim Wenders, Michelle Yeoh, and Neil Patrick Harris coming under fire for their apparent unwillingness to make political statements when prompted by journalists. The festival's director, Tricia Tuttle, has defended the artists, stating that they are "expected to answer any question put to them" and "criticized if they do not answer." However, some, like German political journalist Tilo Jung, argue that artists with a "bigger reach" should be using their platforms to speak out against the "rise of fascism" across the West.

Why it matters

The sidelining of political discussions at the Berlin Film Festival, historically an event where politics has played a central role both on and off screen, has become a major talking point. This shift reflects a broader trend of artists and celebrities being increasingly expected to weigh in on political issues, even when they may not feel equipped or comfortable doing so. The debate raises questions about the role and responsibility of artists in addressing societal and political challenges.

The details

The controversy began when festival jury head Wim Wenders asserted that "we have to stay out of politics" when asked about the German government's support for Israel impacting the festival's stance on Gaza. This prompted author Arundhati Roy to pull out of the festival in anger. The bombardment of political questions in each press conference only intensified from there, with attendees like Michelle Yeoh and Neil Patrick Harris also facing criticism for their apparent refusal to make political statements.

  • The 2026 Berlin Film Festival took place in February 2026.

The players

Wim Wenders

The head of the jury at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, who asserted that "we have to stay out of politics" when asked about the German government's support for Israel impacting the festival's stance on Gaza.

Michelle Yeoh

An actress who has been living in Switzerland for the last seven years and was criticized for not offering a political statement when prompted by journalists at the festival.

Neil Patrick Harris

An actor who was in Berlin to promote a British coming-of-age comedy, and was criticized for not wanting to share his opinions on American diplomatic threats.

Tricia Tuttle

The director of the Berlin Film Festival, who wrote a statement defending the artists and stating that they are "expected to answer any question put to them" and "criticized if they do not answer."

Tilo Jung

A German political journalist who has been asking many of the politically-charged questions at the festival, arguing that artists with a "bigger reach" should be using their platforms to speak out against the "rise of fascism" across the West.

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What they’re saying

“Fascism is the enemy of artistic freedom. So artists — especially the Hollywood elite —have a special role in a least raising their voices. They need to step up — and the time to do that is now. We need to learn from history.”

— Tilo Jung, German political journalist

“Obviously, I'm against it.”

— Rupert Grint, Actor

“What a time to be alive, where you can both make a documentary about one of your favorite bands and fight fascism at the same time.”

— Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine guitarist

What’s next

The debate over the role of artists in addressing political issues is likely to continue, both at the Berlin Film Festival and in the broader cultural landscape.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the growing expectation for artists and celebrities to use their platforms to speak out on political and social issues, even when they may not feel equipped or comfortable doing so. It raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and social responsibility, and the extent to which artists should be compelled to engage in political discourse.