Benedict Cumberbatch | ZFF Masters 2025

About this episode

Benedict Cumberbatch discusses his career and creative decisions in this ZFF Masters episode.

In this ZFF Masters episode, Benedict Cumberbatch reflects on the experiences and creative decisions that shaped his career. He speaks about the lasting impact of iconic roles such as Sherlock and Doctor Strange, and shares insights into his work as a producer and what storytelling beyond acting means to him. Charisma, intelligence, and an unmistakable voice define Benedict Cumberbatch, CBE, as one of the most influential actors of his generation. Rising to international fame with SHERLOCK (2010–2017), he went on to deliver acclaimed performances in films such as ATONEMENT (2007), 12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013), THE IMITATION GAME (2014), and THE POWER OF THE DOG (2021), earning two Academy Award nominations. Alongside his work in auteur cinema, he became a global figure as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and lent his voice to Smaug in THE HOBBIT trilogy. At the 21st Zurich Film Festival, Cumberbatch received the Golden Eye Award for his versatile career, followed by a screening of his new film THE THING WITH FEATHERS. ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, open to the public and held during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer…

People in this episode

Guest: Benedict Cumberbatch

Topics covered

• Benedict Cumberbatch
• film career
• storytelling
• iconic roles
• ZFF Masters
• creative process

Keywords

• Benedict Cumberbatch
• ZFF Masters
• Sherlock
• Doctor Strange
• Golden Eye Award
• film insights

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zurich Film Festival

Books & works: SHERLOCK, ATONEMENT, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE IMITATION GAME, THE POWER OF THE DOG, THE HOBBIT, THE THING WITH FEATHERS

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