Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

Pasquale Petrolo, known professionally as Lillo, is captivating audiences at the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival, not just with his comedic timing but also with an unexpected flair for dance. The multifaceted artist, a mainstay in Italian entertainment, is co-hosting the second evening of the festival alongside Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini, alongside Achille Lauro and Pilar Fogliati. His presence adds a unique dynamic to the renowned event, blending his established comedic style with the spectacle of Sanremo.

Lillo’s career spans decades and encompasses a remarkable range of artistic pursuits. From his early perform in radio and television with Claudio Gregori as the duo Lillo & Greg, to his ventures into film, theater, and even comic book creation, Petrolo has consistently demonstrated a versatility that resonates with Italian audiences. His participation in Sanremo 2026 highlights his enduring appeal and ability to connect with a broad spectrum of viewers.

A Career Built on Versatility

Born in Rome on August 27, 1962, Lillo’s journey began in 1999, quickly establishing him as a prominent figure in Italian comedy. He’s not simply a comedian, however; he’s also an actor, director, and a talented fumettista (comic book artist). This breadth of talent has allowed him to navigate various entertainment platforms successfully. Lillo & Greg gained significant recognition for their radio program “610” on Rai Radio2, a show that earned them the prestigious Flaiano Prize for Radio. As reported by La Milano, his co-hosting role at Sanremo builds on this established reputation.

Beyond radio, Lillo has been a correspondent for “Le Iene” and participated in numerous television programs, including “Stracult,” “Bla Bla Bla,” and “Cocktail d’amore.” His theatrical work, featuring shows like “The Mystery of the Mysterious Assassin” and “Work in Regress,” has toured throughout Italy, further solidifying his presence in the performing arts. He even transitioned his comedic sketches into the film “Fascisti su Marte,” demonstrating his ability to adapt and expand his creative vision.

Sanremo 2026: A New Stage for a Veteran Performer

Lillo’s involvement in Sanremo 2026 isn’t just a hosting gig; it’s a showcase of his improvisational skills. According to Sky TG24, he’s bringing his unique brand of humor and spontaneity to the iconic stage. The comedian’s ability to seamlessly blend different artistic forms was on full display during Wednesday’s broadcast, February 25th, where he surprised viewers with impromptu dance moves.

The artist’s comedic style is often described as a playful exploration of the absurd, a quality that sets him apart in the Italian entertainment landscape. Il Fatto Quotidiano notes that his humor is characterized by a seemingly effortless delivery, creating an atmosphere of unpredictable fun. This approach, combined with his extensive experience, makes him a compelling presence at Sanremo.

Lillo’s journey to Sanremo wasn’t necessarily planned. As he himself reportedly stated, he and Greg initially began performing simply to locate a way to make a living. This humble beginning underscores the dedication and resilience that have defined his career. His ability to adapt and embrace new challenges has allowed him to thrive in a constantly evolving industry.

As Sanremo 2026 continues, audiences can anticipate more of Lillo’s signature blend of comedy, improvisation, and artistic flair. His presence promises to inject a fresh energy into the festival, captivating viewers with his unique talent and infectious enthusiasm.

The festival’s ongoing success and Lillo’s contribution highlight the enduring power of Italian entertainment. What remains to be seen is how his presence will influence the overall tone and reception of Sanremo 2026, and whether this appearance will open new doors for his already impressive career. Share your thoughts on Lillo’s performance in the comments below!

Berlin – Hundreds of prominent filmmakers have rallied in support of Tricia Tuttle, the director of the Berlin International Film Festival, as she faces potential dismissal following controversy over comments made by award winners criticizing the war in Gaza and Germany’s support for Israel. The outpouring of support comes after a crisis meeting convened by Germany’s federal government commissioner for culture and media, Wolfram Weimer, on Thursday to discuss the “future direction of the Berlinale,” one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice.

The debate centers on speeches delivered at the festival’s closing gala, where some recipients used their platforms to voice strong opinions on the conflict. Specifically, the acceptance speech by Syrian-Palestinian director Abdallah al-Khatib, who received the best first feature award for his drama Chronicles From the Siege, drew scrutiny. According to reports, the speech, along with a photograph of Tuttle with al-Khatib’s film team, sparked concerns within the German government.

The photograph, which has become a focal point of the controversy, shows members of al-Khatib’s team wearing keffiyeh scarves and one holding a Palestinian flag. The Berlinale director routinely takes photographs with film crews during the festival. The German newspaper Bild initially reported that Weimer was planning to remove Tuttle from her position, citing sources close to the commissioner. Following Thursday’s meeting, Weimer’s office stated that “discussions about the direction of the Berlinale will continue in the coming days” between the festival chief and the event’s supervisory board, signaling that Tuttle’s future remains uncertain.

The potential removal of Tuttle has ignited a fierce debate about artistic freedom and the role of cultural institutions in addressing political issues. Nearly 700 filmmakers, including Oscar winners Tilda Swinton and Todd Haynes, both former Berlinale jury presidents, have signed a petition backing Tuttle. The petition, published in Variety, argues that the festival’s leadership is under threat due to the exercise of free expression. “If an extraordinary meeting is convened to decide the future of the festival’s leadership, more is at stake than a single appointment,” the petition reads. “What is at issue is the relationship between artistic freedom and institutional independence.”

Outcry Over Artistic Freedom

The petition emphasizes the Berlinale’s long-standing tradition of engaging with social and political issues, stating that the festival, in its 76th year, “has always been political – not party-political, but socially engaged.” It warns that a crackdown on controversial viewpoints could stifle discourse and undermine the festival’s vital role in fostering debate, particularly during times of global crisis. “If every controversy leads to institutional repercussions, discourse gives way to control,” the statement continues. “We stand for a culture of exchange, not intimidation.”

Support for Tuttle extends beyond the film community. The Berlin chapter of PEN International, a writers’ association, expressed dismay at the prospect of her ouster, asserting that al-Khatib’s statements are protected by freedom of expression. “We are certain that the Berlinale, as an internationally relevant festival, would suffer immense damage” if Tuttle were to go, PEN Berlin said in a statement. Several Israeli cinema institutions, including the Jerusalem and Haifa film festivals, have also voiced their support for Tuttle, praising her “commitment to diversity of voices, non-censorship and creating a space of open debate to all voices.”

More than 500 Berlinale staff members have also signed an open letter applauding Tuttle’s “clarity, integrity, and artistic vision.”

A History of Friction

Tuttle’s tenure at the Berlinale, which began in 2024, has been marked by friction surrounding the war in Gaza. The festival has become a focal point for diverse artistic perspectives, often clashing with a strong pro-Israel consensus among German political authorities who provide funding for the event. During the awards ceremony, Tuttle acknowledged that this year’s edition had been particularly “rocky and emotional.”

Earlier in the festival, the jury, led by veteran German director Wim Wenders, faced pointed questions about their views on Gaza. Wenders’ rejection of the notion that filmmakers and cultural institutions must take explicit political stances sparked further controversy, leading to an open letter signed by over 80 participants condemning his remarks. Tuttle forcefully denied any censorship, and both Wenders and Tuttle attempted to clarify their positions at the awards ceremony, with Wenders emphasizing an “artificial discrepancy” between art and activism.

The Indian author Arundhati Roy cancelled an appearance at the festival in protest.

What’s Next for the Berlinale?

The coming days will be crucial as discussions continue between Tuttle and the festival’s supervisory board. The outcome of these talks will likely shape the future direction of the Berlinale and set a precedent for artistic freedom within German cultural institutions. The situation highlights the increasing challenges faced by international film festivals in navigating complex geopolitical issues and balancing artistic expression with political sensitivities. The festival’s stakeholders will need to carefully consider how to uphold its commitment to open dialogue while addressing concerns about potentially inflammatory rhetoric.

What are your thoughts on the balance between artistic freedom and political responsibility at international film festivals? Share your opinions in the comments below.