The awards ceremony for the 76th Berlinale transformed into an overtly political stage, as filmmaker after filmmaker used the spotlight to denounce what they described as Israeli aggression in the Middle East and to call to “Free Palestine.”
The event, held at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, was meant to celebrate cinematic excellence. Instead, it evolved into one of the most politically charged nights in the festival’s recent history. Acceptance speeches frequently moved beyond thank you notes and acknowledgments, turning into passionate appeals about war, displacement, and humanitarian suffering.
The night’s biggest prize, the Golden Bear for Best Film, went to Yellow Letters, directed by İlker Çatak. As the top winner took the stage, applause filled the hall, but the celebratory mood was underscored by broader reflections on global unrest and the responsibility of artists to speak out.
The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Salvation, directed by Emin Alper, while the Silver Bear Jury Prize went to Queen at Sea, directed by Lance Hammer. Grant Gee received the Silver Bear for Best Director for Everybody Digs Bill Evans, and Sandra Hüller took home the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance for Rose.
In the supporting performance category, Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder Marshall shared the Silver Bear for their roles in Queen at Sea. The Silver Bear for Best Screenplay was awarded to Geneviève Dulude De Celles for Nina Roza, while Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) by Anna Fitch and Banker White earned the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution.
Beyond the main competition, Abdallah Alkhatib won the GWFF Best First Feature Award for Chronicles From the Siege. The Berlinale Documentary Award went to If Pigeons Turned to Gold by Pepa Lubojacki, with special mentions for Tutu by Sam Pollard and Sometimes I Imagine Them All at a Party by Daniela Magnani Hüller.
In the Shorts Competition, Someday a Child by Marie Rose Osta won the Golden Bear for Best Short Film, while A Woman’s Place is Everywhere by Fanny Texier received the Silver Bear for Best Short Film. Jingkai Qu’s Kleptomania was honored with the Berlinale Shorts Filmmaker Award.
Throughout the ceremony, several winners used their time at the microphone to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling attention to civilian casualties and urging global action. The repeated calls to “Free Palestine” drew both strong applause and visible unease within the audience, reflecting the deeply polarized global conversation surrounding the conflict.
The atmosphere grew tense at moments, particularly given Germany’s complex historical relationship with issues surrounding antisemitism and its political stance on Israel. Supporters of the speeches praised the filmmakers for using their platform to advocate for human rights, while critics argued that international film festivals risk becoming arenas for divisive geopolitical debates.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that the 76th Berlinale would be remembered not only for its cinematic achievements, but also for how powerfully politics took center stage.
