American actress and producer Dakota Johnson was honored at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Sunday, where she received the KVIFF President’s Award before a packed screening of Materialists, a collaboration with Past Lives director Celine Song. Johnson’s appearance marked one of the highlights of the festival’s opening weekend, which drew enthusiastic crowds and global media attention to the Czech spa town.
“I just couldn’t feel more grateful,” Johnson told reporters during a press event, praising the beauty of Karlovy Vary. “This looks like Disneyland. It’s crazy here. It’s so beautiful.”
Known for performances in Fifty Shades of Grey, Suspiria, and The Lost Daughter, Johnson reflected on her evolving career as both actor and producer at a press conference in Karlovy Vary, and revealed her ambitions to step behind the camera as a director.
Two films, one honor: A festival highlight
On Sunday evening, Johnson took the stage inside the Brutalist-style Hotel Thermal to accept the festival’s President’s Award, a tribute to her contributions to cinema. The ceremony preceded the screening of Materialists, directed by Celine Song and co-starring Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. Johnson appeared visibly moved by the standing ovation she received, and thanked the audience in Czech before praising Song as “probably the best filmmaker of our time.”
Her visit to Karlovy Vary included not just one but two film presentations. On Saturday, Johnson introduced Splitsville, a romantic comedy directed by Michael Angelo Covino, which she also produced under her TeaTime Pictures banner. Johnson launched the company in 2019 with her producing partner Ro Donnelly, aiming to develop female-driven narratives with creative independence.
“I hope these are films that ignite fire in people’s hearts and minds about love and how we treat each other and what we want for ourselves,” she said before the screening. Johnson’s efforts as a producer have increasingly shaped her public identity, and her presence at KVIFF underscored her active role in shaping her own projects, both in front of and behind the camera.
Directing, producing, and defying norms
During a press conference on Sunday, Johnson revealed that she is preparing to direct her first feature. While she didn’t offer specific details about the project, she emphasized her desire to tell women-centered stories and create positive working environments.
“I want to avoid toxic sets,” she said, noting that she prefers to measure success by how a film resonates with audiences rather than box office numbers.
Johnson also shared her interest in taking on more unconventional acting roles in the future. “I would love to play a psychopath,” she said with a laugh. Known for choosing challenging and emotionally layered characters, she expressed an interest in pushing further into psychological complexity.
Her comments aligned with the broader themes of this year’s Karlovy Vary program, which has prominently featured films that explore intimate relationships, shifting identities, and emotional authenticity. Johnson’s dual presence—as a performer and as a producer—mirrored those themes and added a high-profile international element to the festival’s diverse lineup.
The 2025 edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival continues through July 12, with premieres from Central and Eastern Europe and guests from around the world. Johnson joins an impressive list of honored guests at this year’s festival that also includes Vicky Krieps, Peter Sarsgaard, and Stellan Skarsgård.
On Saturday, Michael Douglas presented a restored version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and picked up a surprise Crystal Globe award, to replace the award he was originally granted by the festival back in 1998.
Lead photo: Dakota Johnson introducing Splitsville at the 2025 KVIFF courtesy Facebook / Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
