Berlinale 2025: The 75th edition of the Berlinale film festival wrapped up just one day before Germany’s general elections. This year’s festival was less controversial than the previous one, ending with a celebration of the best films and performances. The Golden Bear, the top honor, was awarded to Drømmer (Dreams (Sex Love)) by Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud.
Award Winners at Berlinale 2025
The Berlinale jury, led by acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes, had the tough task of selecting winners from 19 films in the competition. Drømmer, the top film, follows the story of a 17-year-old student who falls in love with her teacher. She later writes a confessional book about her experience. The film is part of Haugerud’s Sex / Love / Dreams trilogy. Haugerud expressed his surprise at winning, saying, “The film is called ‘Drømmer,’ which means dreams – and this is beyond my wildest dreams.”
The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize went to O último azul (The Blue Trail) by Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro. The film is set in the near future, where older citizens are respected but forced into isolation and retirement homes. Mascaro called his movie a “poetic anti-ageism parable about forced displacement.”
Other major awards included:
- Silver Bear Jury Prize: El Mensaje by Iván Fund
- Best Director: Huo Meng for Living The Land
- Best Leading Performance: Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Best Supporting Performance: Andrew Scott in Blue Moon
- Best Screenplay: Kontinental ’25 by Radu Jude
- Outstanding Artistic Contribution: La Tour de Glace by Lucile Hadžihalilović
Political Moments at the Festival
While this year’s Berlinale was less politically charged than previous years, there were still notable moments. Director Radu Jude, a former Golden Bear winner, made a powerful statement while accepting the Best Screenplay award for Kontinental ’25. He condemned the “dehumanizing effects of techno-capitalism” and called for action against those he described as “murderous bastards.”
Jude also made a pointed remark about Germany’s upcoming elections. He hoped the festival wouldn’t open next year with Leni Riefenstahl’s Nazi propaganda film Triumph of the Will, in a clear critique of the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Festival director Tricia Tuttle responded diplomatically, stating that the Berlinale remains a space for free expression and artistic diversity.
High Audience Turnout
Despite some challenges, including public transport strikes, the festival saw strong attendance. A total of 330,000 tickets were sold, indicating that interest in the event remains high. Many people felt that this year’s competition lineup was stronger and more consistent than in previous years. It included films that addressed important global issues, showing the festival’s continued relevance as a cultural and artistic platform.
The festival’s ability to attract a large audience, even amid strikes, speaks to the importance of the Berlinale in the international film community. It continues to be a place where filmmakers can share their voices and showcase films that challenge social norms and spark conversation.
What’s Next for Berlinale?
With the 75th Berlinale now over, attention turns to how Germany’s upcoming elections will influence the political landscape. The outcome could impact cultural and social policies in the country, potentially affecting the arts and film industries. However, the Berlinale will likely remain focused on its mission of celebrating cinema, diversity, and artistic freedom.
Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, expectations are high. Given the success of this year’s festival, many hope that Berlinale will continue to be a space for important films that tackle global issues. The festival has proven itself to be a vital part of Germany’s cultural scene and will likely play a key role in shaping the country’s artistic future.
In the end, the Berlinale 2025 showcased films that were not only creative but also thought-provoking. As politics and cinema continue to intersect, it will be interesting to see how future Berlinale editions respond to the changing political landscape. The 2025 festival marked another successful year in the history of one of the world’s most prestigious film events.
For more on the Berlinale and other cultural events, visit New York Mirror.