The world premiere of Benoît Jacquot’s Farewell My Queen (Les Adieux à La Reine) will open the 62nd Berlin Film Festival.
The screen adaptation of Chantal Thomas’ prize-winning novel of the same name stars Diane Kruger, Léa Seydoux and Virginie Ledoyen and examines the first days of the French Revolution from the perspective of the servants at Versailles.
Set in 1789, revolution is imminent. Behind the facades of the royal palaces, everyone is thinking of fleeing, including Queen Marie Antoinette (Kruger) and her entourage, including her reader Sidonie Laborde (Seydoux).
Meryl Streep has also been named by the festival as the recipient of an Honorary Golden Bear. The 16-time Oscar nominee, who has starred in more than 40 films, will receive the award at a screening of her latest work The Iron Lady at the Berlinale Palast.
The festival will also present an homage to Streep, including screenings of some of her best known films, including Kramer Vs Kramer, Sophie's Choice and A Prairie Home Companion.
Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick said: “We are delighted to be able to award the Honorary Golden Bear to such a terrific artist and world star. Meryl Streep is a brilliant, versatile performer who moves with ease between dramatic and comedic roles.”
Eye For Film will be bringing you coverage from the festival, which runs from February 9 to 19.
