Bears vs. Sharks
by Pat Frickey

The Homage of the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival celebrated the films of Steven Spielberg, and he was also presented with an Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement. Eight of his films were screened including JAWS, E. T.-THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL, SCHINDLER’S LIST, and his most recent film THE FABELMANS. Spielberg is one of the world’s most prominent and prolific filmmakers. This Hollywood titan has made more than 100 films and TV series, in every imaginable genre.

Steven Spielberg gave a very poignant speech after accepting the Honorary Golden Bear from U2 frontman Bono. At one point he said: “This honor has particular meaning for me because I’m a Jewish director. I’d like to believe that this is a small moment in a much larger, ongoing effort of healing the broken places of history—what Jews call Tikkun Olam, the repairing and restoring of the world.” He ended the speech on a much lighter note: “So, I stand here in Berlin accepting the Golden Bear, and I have to confess—that bears really scare me! More even than sharks. But it’s good to be scared as well as grateful, bashful, and alarmed.”