Charli XCX Sizzles in Sheer Lace, Steals the Show at Berlinale Photocall
Charli XCX made a bold entrance at the Berlin Film Festival on Saturday, February 14, as she attended the photocall for her new mockumentary The Moment. The Grammy-winning pop star flew into Berlin to promote the film, directed by Aidan Zamiri, ahead of its international premiere. Journalists packed the room, eager to hear from Charli and her co-stars about the movie and her iconic “Brat” era.
Charli xcx is big in Germany. 💚 She arrived at the "The Moment" photocall during the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin. pic.twitter.com/HzbqZAiISe
— E! News (@enews) February 14, 2026
“When you release art into the world, and it reaches a wide audience… the work begins to sort of morph and change in its meaning,” Charli explained, reflecting on how the Brat album shaped her career.
She described the experience as emotional and challenging, noting it helped her consider how art moves from the creator to the audience. “I also think I am quite an emotional and volatile artist… I just felt that making this film… was a way of me not only commenting on art but also dealing with my very personal experience as an artist,” she added.
Charli also joked about drawing inspiration from her own life for the film. “I think I have definitely come close to those circumstances… have I had a breakdown in the back of a [Mercedes] Viano whilst smoking a million cigarettes? Yes. I definitely had a lot to draw on, let’s say, but… I think I am nicer!”
The mockumentary follows the rise of a pop star to global fame and features a star-studded cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Hailey Benton Gates, Jamie Demetriou, Rachel Sennott, Kate Berlant, Rish Shah, and Kylie Jenner. Director Zamiri praised Jenner’s performance, calling her an “incredible actor” and noting how real-world cultural elements enhanced the story.
When asked if the Brat era was officially over, Charli admitted the film offered a cathartic closure. “Making this film was quite cathartic… For me, it’s over,” she said. She also praised the Berlin Film Festival for highlighting films with political and social angles. “Those are the kinds of films that we love. Those are the films that we want to champion ourselves, and I feel like I’m only just starting out,” Charli said.
This year’s Berlinale has been notably apolitical, with key figures like Wim Wenders, Michelle Yeoh, and Neil Patrick Harris avoiding political discussions, which has frustrated some journalists and social media users. Indian author Arundhati Roy even pulled out of the festival in protest. The 76th Berlin Film Festival runs from February 12-22.
Charli XCX’s presence in Berlin shows her ability to combine pop culture influence with artistic introspection. Her honesty about her journey as an artist and her willingness to explore personal struggles in her work make her one of the most compelling performers of her generation.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
