Amy Adams Sends Emotional Message After Missing At the Sea Premiere at Berlin Film Festival
February 16, 2026 — Berlin, Germany — Hollywood star Amy Adams did not attend the world premiere of her latest film At the Sea at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, but delivered an emotional message underscoring her pride in the project and admiration for her cast and crew.
The six-time Academy Award nominee, 51, was conspicuously absent from the Berlinale red carpet Monday night, where the drama had its world premiere in competition at the festival. In her absence, director Kornél Mundruczó read a heartfelt statement from Adams at a press event ahead of the screening.
“I’m Sorry I’m Not There” — A Personal Message
Adams opened her message by thanking the Berlin Film Festival for hosting the premiere and reaffirming her gratitude for the platform it offers independent cinema. “Thank you to the Berlin Film Festival for hosting the world premiere of At the Sea this evening, and for continuing to support independent filmmaking,” she wrote. “Your support is invaluable to me and to independent storytelling around the globe.”
The actress apologized for not being there in person but said she trusted that Mundruczó and the rest of the film’s creative team would represent the project well on the night of its premiere.
Adams went on to describe herself as “extremely proud and deeply moved by the work” and expressed profound gratitude for her colleagues — including Murray Bartlett, Brett Goldstein, Chloe East, Dan Levy, Jenny Slate, and Rainn Wilson — whom she described as “family.”
Artistic Depth and Festival Context
At the Sea, directed by Mundruczó and written by Kata Wéber, centers on Laura, portrayed by Adams, a woman who returns to her family’s Cape Cod home after rehab for alcoholism and attempts to rebuild her life. The narrative, set against themes of accountability, intimacy, and identity, has drawn early awards buzz given its emotionally raw material and the depth of Adams’s performance.
The film — a U.S.–Hungary co-production — features a strong ensemble cast and marks one of the festival’s most anticipated competition titles. It is vying for top honors including the festival’s Golden Bear award.
While Adams’s absence from the premiere left a notable gap on the Berlinale red carpet, her message underscored her belief in the project’s artistry and collaborative spirit. “Family is at the heart of this film,” she said. “It was a gift to explore the themes of intimacy, legacy and, most of all, to explore a character at the crossroads of true accountability.”
Industry Reactions and Next Steps
Industry observers are watching closely to see how At the Sea fares in the competitive Berlinale slate, where critical attention can significantly shape a film’s awards trajectory later in the year. The festival has drawn a diverse range of entries, with many commentators noting Berlin’s continued role as a spotlight for ambitious dramas and international auteur cinema.
Whether Adams’s compelling performance will translate into awards season momentum remains to be seen, but the early reception has underscored the role of Berlin as a proving ground for cinematic artistry beyond Hollywood’s commercial circuits.
