Berlin, Germany — The 75th edition of the Berlin Film Festival wrapped up with a grand awards ceremony where the Golden Bear, the festival’s top honor, was awarded to Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud for his film “Drømmer (Dreams),” a powerful narrative centered around a teenage girl’s vivid imagination and emotional turmoil towards her teacher.
“Dreams (Sex Love)” marks the final installment in Haugerud’s trilogy that explores intense personal relationships. The director expressed his astonishment and gratitude at the win, crediting the transformative power of reading and writing for expanding minds and enhancing lives. Jury president Todd Haynes presented the award, adding a note of prestige to the proceedings.
The festival’s Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize went to “The Blue Trail” by Gabriel Mascaro, a thought-provoking film that casts a critical eye on societal attitudes towards the elderly. Another highlight of the evening was Australian actor Rose Byrne, who clinched the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance with her portrayal of a stressed mother and therapist in “If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You.”
In other major categories, Andrew Scott was lauded for his portrayal of Richard Rodgers in “Blue Moon,” winning the Best Supporting Performance. The Best Director honor was bestowed on Huo Meng for “Living the Land,” a poignant exploration of life’s deeper connections with nature.
Among the writing honors, Radu Jude received the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for his work on “Kontinental ’25.” The Berlinale also shone a spotlight on artistic contributions, awarding Lucile Hadžihalilović for her enchanting visual work in “La Tour de Glace.”
The festival not only recognizes feature films but also celebrates accomplishments in documentary and short films. “Holding Liat” by Brandon Kramer claimed the Berlinale Documentary Award, and Lesley Loksi Chan’s “Lloyd Wong, Unfinished” won the top prize in the Berlinale Shorts competition.
Apart from competition awards, the festival acknowledged first-time filmmakers and youth favorites. “The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)” by Ernesto Martínez Bucio won the GWFF Best First Feature, illustrating the festival’s commitment to budding talents.
The awards ceremony also underscored the importance of audience engagement with the Panorama Audience Award going to “Sorda,” directed by Eva Libertad, and the Generation Awards celebrated youth-focused films such as “Sunshine” by Antoinette Jadaone, which took home the Crystal Bear for Best Film in Generation 14plus.
The festival serves not only as a platform for showcasing global cinema but also as a mirror reflecting diverse societal issues, artistic endeavors, and personal narratives that resonate across boundaries.
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