Press & News

555 invited guests to toast 111 years of the storied film studio

Studio Babelsberg in partnership with Cartier hosted a special party for the film industry last night in celebration of its 111th birthday. Hosted at the Clärchens Ballhaus, one of Berlin’s last original ballrooms from the early 20th century, the event celebrated both the artists in front of the camera and the talent behind the scenes who bring today’s most exciting films to life. Guests attending the Cartier-sponsored event included Golshifteh Farahani, Thomas Kretschmann, Florence Kasumba, Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese, Sibel Kekilli, Peri Baumeister, Clemens Schick, Tom Wlaschiha, Numan Acar, Anna-Maria Mühe, Karoline Schuch, Kida Khodr Ramadan, Detlev Buck, Lars Kraume, Christiane Paul, Sabin Tambrea, Alice Dwyer, Ludwig Trepte, Jannik Schümann, Max Befort, Jasmin Tabatabai, Andreas Pietschmann and many more.

As part of its cultural commitments in favor of the arts, and more particularly cinema, Cartier is no stranger to the world film, not only appearing in many iconic films but supporting the industry through its sponsorships, including the Venice International Film Festival and for the first time, partnering with Studio Babelsberg during the Berlin Film Festival.

Founded in 1912, Studio Babelsberg is not only the oldest large-scale studio complex in the world, it is also today one of Europe’s leading service providers for feature films and high-end series. In 2023, the studio celebrates 111 years of filmmaking and creativity.

“While Cartier has played its own special role in the world of cinema for nearly 100 years with many memorable on-screen appearances, our passion today is around creation, supporting the makers who are moving the industry forward. We are thrilled to be partnering with Studio Babelsberg to shine a light on both established and emerging talent in film at the Berlin Film Festival,” says Alexis de Laporte, Cartier Managing Director Northern Europe.

“For 111 years, Studio Babelsberg has welcomed filmmakers and talents from around the world, providing them with a working place where freedom and creativity are paramount. We are happy to celebrate yet another birthday with many German and international friends who have contributed to the success of the studio and are looking forward to new, exciting projects,” adds Charlie Woebcken, CEO Studio Babelsberg.

Among its epic film credits, Cartier appeared as early as 1926 in The Son of the Sheik when actor Rudolph Valentino convinced the director to let him wear his Tank watch on screen. In 1946, Jean Cocteau called on Cartier to make Josette Day cry diamond tears in Beauty and the Beast, while Gloria Swanson lit up the screen in Sunset Boulevard wearing two spectacular diamond and rock crystal bracelets in 1950. Grace Kelly wore the ring that Prince Rainier gave her for her last screen appearance in High Society, and Mexican actress María Félix dressed in a landmark crocodile necklace.

As part of its presence at the event, Cartier bell boys were on hand to welcome guests. Director Wim Wenders, director and producer Tom Tykwer with his producer wife Marie Steinmann as well as Magdalena and Esther Silex spun tracks during the evening as the event’s DJs,

Hi-res photos can be downloaded under the following link.