The Zurich Film Festival 2025 will feature the films of one of America's most influential contemporary filmmakers. American director and screenwriter Noah Baumbach is to receive the highly acclaimed A Tribute To … Award for his outstanding body of work. The award will be presented on September 26 at the gala premiere of his long-awaited new film Jay Kelly in Kongresshaus, Zurich.

In addition to the award ceremony, Baumbach will also hold a public masterclass, giving film enthusiasts and aspiring artists a rare opportunity to observe his process and film doctrine.

Honoring a Cinema Visionary

Festival organizer Christian Jungen emphasized Baumbach's influence on US cinema, praising his subtle but incisive storytelling:

“With Noah Baumbach, we are honoring an auteur who has made U.S. cinema richer for decades with his intuitive grasp of human relationships and with his keen eye for observation," declared Jungen. “'Jay Kelly' is, to my mind, one of the big films of the year and one of those pictures which, in retrospect, will be viewed as a masterpiece."

The Zurich Film Festival 2025 has established itself with great recognition for celebrating world film legends, and Baumbach's invitation highlights its dedication to honoring both European and global voices in cinema.

A Lifetime of Awarded Movies

Baumbach has, over the years, consistently produced movies that blend small-scale character studies with grander explorations of existence. Some of his most notable works include:

·         The Squid and the Whale (2005), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Original Screenplay.

·         Marriage Story (2019), a critical hit drama nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

·         Barbie (2023), for which he was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay alongside Greta Gerwig.

Baumbach's collaborative association with actors such as Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Nicole Kidman, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman, and Greta Gerwig has produced performances etched in the history of contemporary cinema.

His filmography also includes Frances Ha, White Noise, The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), While We’re Young, Mistress America, Greenberg, Margot at the Wedding, and Kicking and Screaming. He has also co-written scripts with Wes Anderson, including Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

Spotlight on Jay Kelly

Baumbach's Jay Kelly is making substantial award noise prior to release. The film is a satirical take on Hollywood's star machine and blends comedy, drama, and introspection.

The film focuses on George Clooney as Jay Kelly, a well-known film star on a journey of self-realization. His character struggles with the choices he has made in the past and the challenges of the modern age, while Adam Sandler plays his loyal manager Ron.

The festival described Jay Kelly as "poignant and humor-filled, epic and intimate, pitched at the intersection of life's regrets and notable glories." The film, with its themes and cast, is already a frontrunner for a win during the upcoming awards season.

A Tradition of Celebrating Masters

The A Tribute To … Award has previously been bestowed upon cinema giants like Edward Berger, Paolo Sorrentino, Wim Wenders, Olivier Assayas, Claire Denis, Michael Haneke, Oliver Stone, Maïwenn, and Luca Guadagnino.

With the award to Baumbach in 2025, the Zurich Film Festival is continuing the tradition of honoring directors who blur the boundaries of storytelling and leave an indelible impact on culture.

Looking Ahead

For film lovers, the red carpet gala on September 26 is set to be part of the top highlights of the festival season. Jay Kelly's opening, along with the recognition of Baumbach and his masterclass au public, makes the Zurich Film Festival 2025 an unmissable event for all film lovers across the world.

Baumbach's films have always been a blend of humor, pathos, and sharp observations on humanity. His latest accolade at Zurich only enhances his status as one of the great filmmakers of our time.

Zurich Film Festival to Honor Noah Baumbach with Tribute Award

The Zurich Film Festival 2025 will feature the films of one of America's most influential contemporary filmmakers. American director and screenwriter Noah Baumbach is to receive the highly acclaimed A Tribute To … Award for his outstanding body of work. The award will be presented on September 26 at the gala premiere of his long-awaited new film Jay Kelly in Kongresshaus, Zurich.

In addition to the award ceremony, Baumbach will also hold a public masterclass, giving film enthusiasts and aspiring artists a rare opportunity to observe his process and film doctrine.

Honoring a Cinema Visionary

Festival organizer Christian Jungen emphasized Baumbach's influence on US cinema, praising his subtle but incisive storytelling:

“With Noah Baumbach, we are honoring an auteur who has made U.S. cinema richer for decades with his intuitive grasp of human relationships and with his keen eye for observation," declared Jungen. “'Jay Kelly' is, to my mind, one of the big films of the year and one of those pictures which, in retrospect, will be viewed as a masterpiece."

The Zurich Film Festival 2025 has established itself with great recognition for celebrating world film legends, and Baumbach's invitation highlights its dedication to honoring both European and global voices in cinema.

A Lifetime of Awarded Movies

Baumbach has, over the years, consistently produced movies that blend small-scale character studies with grander explorations of existence. Some of his most notable works include:

·         The Squid and the Whale (2005), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Original Screenplay.

·         Marriage Story (2019), a critical hit drama nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

·         Barbie (2023), for which he was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay alongside Greta Gerwig.

Baumbach's collaborative association with actors such as Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Nicole Kidman, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman, and Greta Gerwig has produced performances etched in the history of contemporary cinema.

His filmography also includes Frances Ha, White Noise, The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), While We’re Young, Mistress America, Greenberg, Margot at the Wedding, and Kicking and Screaming. He has also co-written scripts with Wes Anderson, including Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

Spotlight on Jay Kelly

Baumbach's Jay Kelly is making substantial award noise prior to release. The film is a satirical take on Hollywood's star machine and blends comedy, drama, and introspection.

The film focuses on George Clooney as Jay Kelly, a well-known film star on a journey of self-realization. His character struggles with the choices he has made in the past and the challenges of the modern age, while Adam Sandler plays his loyal manager Ron.

The festival described Jay Kelly as "poignant and humor-filled, epic and intimate, pitched at the intersection of life's regrets and notable glories." The film, with its themes and cast, is already a frontrunner for a win during the upcoming awards season.

A Tradition of Celebrating Masters

The A Tribute To … Award has previously been bestowed upon cinema giants like Edward Berger, Paolo Sorrentino, Wim Wenders, Olivier Assayas, Claire Denis, Michael Haneke, Oliver Stone, Maïwenn, and Luca Guadagnino.

With the award to Baumbach in 2025, the Zurich Film Festival is continuing the tradition of honoring directors who blur the boundaries of storytelling and leave an indelible impact on culture.

Looking Ahead

For film lovers, the red carpet gala on September 26 is set to be part of the top highlights of the festival season. Jay Kelly's opening, along with the recognition of Baumbach and his masterclass au public, makes the Zurich Film Festival 2025 an unmissable event for all film lovers across the world.

Baumbach's films have always been a blend of humor, pathos, and sharp observations on humanity. His latest accolade at Zurich only enhances his status as one of the great filmmakers of our time.