The Berlin Film Festival will present Martin Scorsese with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his contributions to cinema

At the upcoming Berlin International Film Festival in February, renowned director Martin Scorsese will receive a prestigious accolade for his lifetime of contributions to the film industry. Organizers announced on Thursday that the 81-year-old filmmaker, known for iconic films like “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull,” as well as his recent work on “Killers of the Flower Moon,” will be awarded the honorary Golden Bear, the festival’s highest honor, on February 20.

Festival directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian praised Scorsese in a statement, highlighting his unique ability to craft stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. They acknowledged Scorsese’s long-standing relationship with the festival, referring to him as “a good friend of the festival.”

The festival organizers also recognized Scorsese’s dedication to preserving historical film heritage, noting his involvement in significant restoration projects through the Film Foundation.

Scorsese’s remarkable career includes winning the Best Director Oscar in 2007 for “The Departed.”

The Berlin International Film Festival, known as the “Berlinale,” is one of the year’s major European film festivals and is set to take place from February 15-25. Actress Lupita Nyong’o will serve as the head of the festival jury.

This year’s festival will be the final one under the leadership of Rissenbeek and Chatrian. Germany’s culture minister recently announced that Tricia Tuttle, previously the director of the London Film Festival, will succeed them as the new director starting in April.