Dakota Johnson Celebrated at Karlovy Vary with President’s Award

American actor Dakota Johnson accepted the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival’s President’s Award on Sunday night inside the Spa Hotel Thermal, greeting a sold-out crowd with thanks for “loving movies” and describing the Czech spa town as “beautiful.”

The accolade, presented during the 59th edition of Central Europe’s largest cinema event, recognizes artists whose work enriches world film culture; earlier in the weekend the same honor went to Peter Sarsgaard and Vicky Krieps, and the festival will close 12 July with a tribute to Stellan Skarsgård.

Johnson arrived with two fresh titles from her TeaTime Pictures banner: Michael Angelo Covino’s relationship comedy Splitsville, which she introduced Saturday morning, and Celine Song’s romantic drama Materialists, scheduled for an evening gala screening. Introducing Splitsville, she told viewers the film “is about love, friendship, and the complexity of human relationships,” saying such themes deserve close attention amid today’s social noise.

During a press conference Johnson reflected on current market headwinds, saying “It’s really hard to make movies right now and to get people to believe in what you want to say,” yet stressing her belief in cinema’s enduring value.

Asked about future roles, the 35-year-old said she is eager to portray “a psychopath” and even tackle an action picture, noting that the right elements must “align.” She told trade reporters she is finalising plans for a first feature as director, a project she described as “very close to my heart” that would reunite her with Cha Cha Real Smooth co-star Vanessa Burghardt.

The festival, which opened 4 July with fireworks and a restored screening of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest introduced by Michael Douglas, continues through the week with 12 competition films vying for the Crystal Globe.