The Fearless Powerhouse of German Cinema: Sandra Hüller’s Global Ascent

BERLIN, 15 February 2026 — As the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) unfolds this week, all eyes have returned to the woman who has become the definitive face of contemporary European acting. Sandra Hüller, the Suhl-born actress who captivated global audiences with her Oscar-nominated turn in Anatomy of a Fall, is currently dominating the 2026 festival circuit with her latest transformative role in Markus Schleinzer’s period drama, Rose.

From Suhl to the Global Stage

Born in 1978 in Suhl, East Germany, Hüller’s journey to becoming a “fearless powerhouse” began in a teenage drama club. She later honed her craft at the prestigious Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin, studying from 1996 to 2000. Unlike many of her peers who rushed to television, Hüller dedicated her early career to the stage, joining the Schauspielhaus Bochum and establishing a reputation for intellectual depth and raw emotional transparency.

Her breakthrough in cinema came with Hans-Christian Schmid’s Requiem (2006), where her portrayal of a woman suffering from suspected demonic possession earned her the Silver Bear for Best Actress. However, it was the 2023-2024 awards season that cemented her status as an international icon, as she starred in two Academy Award-winning films simultaneously: Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest.

Latest Projects: Berlinale 2026 and Hollywood Blockbusters

Hüller continues to defy expectations by balancing rigorous European auteur cinema with high-concept Hollywood productions. Last week, the first full trailer for Project Hail Mary was released, offering a glimpse of Hüller starring alongside Ryan Gosling. In the film, scheduled for a March 20 release, Hüller plays Gosling’s boss, a role that marks her significant entry into the American blockbuster landscape.

The 2026 Berlinale Premiere: ‘Rose’

Two days ago, Hüller premiered Rose at the Berlin Film Festival. In this 17th-century period drama, she portrays a soldier living under a male disguise. Critics have praised the performance as a “balancing act,” noting her ability to convey both the callowness of youth and the hardened exterior of a survivor. The role has already sparked early “Best Actress” buzz for the 2027 awards season.

Upcoming Collaborations

Beyond her work in science fiction and period dramas, Hüller is expanding her range into action and comedy. She is set to appear in Digger alongside Tom Cruise and has been linked to the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot starring Liam Neeson.

Filmography and Career Milestones

The following table outlines the pivotal cinematic releases that have defined Hüller’s career trajectory:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sandra Hüller’s next movie?

Hüller will next be seen in the highly anticipated sci-fi adaptation Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, which arrives in cinemas on 20 March 2026. She is also starring in the period drama Rose, which is currently screening at the Berlin Film Festival.

Where did Sandra Hüller study acting?

She studied at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts (Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch) in Berlin between 1996 and 2000.

Has Sandra Hüller won an Oscar?

While she was nominated for Best Actress at the 96th Academy Awards for her role in Anatomy of a Fall, she has not yet won an Oscar. However, she has won numerous other accolades, including the Silver Bear, the European Film Award, and the German Film Award.

Is Sandra Hüller in the new ‘Project Hail Mary’ trailer?

Yes, the trailer released seven days ago confirms her role as the character overseeing Ryan Gosling’s mission. The film also features James Ortiz as the performer for the alien character, Rocky.