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Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy was honoured with the Cinema for Peace Dove Award for Women’s Empowerment at the Cinema for Peace Gala 2025 for her film Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge.

The recognition celebrated the film’s powerful portrayal of resilience, entrepreneurship and empowerment through the life of legendary designer Diane von Furstenberg.

The honour was initiated by actor and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman in 2013. The Cinema for Peace Dove Award for Women’s Empowerment honours a film’s significant contribution to showcasing the empowerment and resilience of women. The award comes on the occasion of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.

Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge premiered at the Tribeca Festival and was released on Hulu this past June to much acclaim. It explores the life and career of von Furstenberg, a fashion icon, from the creation of her wrap dress to her influence as a cultural figure.

“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, 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 recognized at Cinema for Peace,” Chinoy said.

This year’s gala also featured a special honouring of Sir Bob Geldof for his monumental contribution to humanitarian efforts, marking 40 years of Live Aid, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’, and ‘We Are the World’, as well as Antonio Banderas.

Honorees of 2024 also included Pope Francis, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Dame Helen Mirren.

The Cinema for Peace organisation recognises and honours the most valuable films of the year, focusing on those that address global social, political, and humanitarian challenges.

Cinema for Peace has a long history of supporting impactful projects and has worked with numerous influential figures, including Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, Nicole Kidman, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela.