From filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy winning an international award to the Winter Gala 2025 and Spotify’s Global Impact list, here’s a look back at some of the important stories from last month.
Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy honoured with Cinema
for Peace Dove Award for Women’s Empowerment
Two-time Academy Award-winning director, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, was honoured at the Cinema for Peace Gala 2025 in Berlin last month.
Her DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE documentary, which she co-directed with Trish Dalton, won the prestigious Cinema for Peace Dove Award for Women’s Empowerment. This honour recognises the powerful portrayal of resilience, self-sufficiency, and empowerment presented through the life of iconic designer Diane von Furstenberg.
In 2013, Nicole Kidman, as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, established the Cinema for Peace Award for Women’s Empowerment. The award recognises films that contribute significantly to presenting women’s strength and resilience. It highlights the importance and relevance of documentaries and comes on the occasion of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.
From the design of her iconic wrap dress to her lasting impact as a cultural icon, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival and received acclaim upon its release on Hulu in June 2024, explores the incredible life and career of fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg.
“Diana’s story is one of courage, determination, and self-belief—a testament to the fight for women’s rights that is constantly challenged by those seeking to hold us back. Her legacy reminds us that nothing is absolute and that change is always possible. Through this film, we celebrate not just her life but the universal truth that women can achieve anything when they embrace their true selves. Her spirit continues to inspire generations, and I am honoured to see it recognised at Cinema for Peace,” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
This year’s ceremony included a moving tribute to Sir Bob Geldof, highlighting his significant humanitarian efforts and marking 40 years since Live Aid, Do They Know It’s Christmas, and We Are the World. Additionally, a tribute was paid to Antonio Banderas.
The 2024 award honourees included Pope Francis, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Dame Helen Mirren.
Cinema for Peace recognises the most impactful films of the year, particularly those addressing international social, political, and humanitarian issues.
Deeply committed to supporting meaningful causes, the organisation has collaborated with numerous high-profile figures, including Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, Nicole Kidman, Muhammad Ali, and Nelson Mandela.
Black Box Diaries by Shiori Ito
An Army of Women by Julie Lunde Lillesæter
Women of Iran by Nima Soofi, M.N
Maria by Pablo Larrain
Never Look Away by Lucy Lawless
Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa by Lucy Walker
Devi by Subina Shrestha
Shirley by John Ridley
An Unfinished Journey by Amie Williams, Aeyliya Husain
