- "I won't play the role of a hero" (paraphrased song title)
At the wrap-up of the 2023 Berlin Film Festival, Norwegian filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud couldn't contain his excitement, snagging the festival's coveted award. The 75th Berlinale reached its exhilarating concluding moments on Saturday night with the announcement of the primary accolades. Following two documentaries that claimed the Golden Bear, the festival's top honor, in recent years, this time, the special recognition went to the Norwegian production "Dreams (Sex Love)" by Dag Johan Haugerud (60). The film tells the story of a young lady falling in love with her teacher, slated for release in German cinemas in May.
Acting Kudos for Starlets Rose Byrne and Andrew Scott
On Saturday evening at the Berlinale Palace, Australian actress Rose Byrne (45) won the Silver Bear for outstanding leading performance in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You." The esteemed "Fleabag" and "Ripley" star Andrew Scott (48), who featured in "Blue Moon" alongside Ethan Hawke (54), received the Silver Bear for noteworthy supporting role.
The jury, led by President Todd Haynes (64), handed out more significant prizes. The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize was bestowed upon the Brazilian film "The Blue Trail" (O último azul) by director Gabriel Mascaro (41). The Argentine road movie "The Message" (El mensaje) by Iván Fund (41) received the Jury Prize.
The illustrious Chinese filmmaker Huo Meng was honored with the award for best director. His drama "Living the Land" (Sheng xi zhi di) depicts the evolution of rural China across several generations, showcasing numerous debuting actors.
The 2023 Berlin Film Festival saw Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude (47) receiving the Silver Bear for best screenplay for "Kontinental '25." The Silver Bear honoring an outstanding artistic contribution went to the ensemble of "The Ice Tower" (La Tour de Glace) by Lucile Hadžihalilović (63), encompassing Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (49) and German actor August Diehl (49).
Unfortunately, neither of the German competition entries, "Was Marielle weiß" by Frédéric Hambalek (39) and "Yunan" by Ameer Fakher Eldin (33), earned any Bears. Tom Tykwer's (59) Berlinale opening film "Das Licht" with Lars Eidinger (49) competed in the "Berlinale Special" section.
Insights from the enrichment data reveal some tantalizing glimpses into the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, including critically acclaimed movies and victors. Here are some highlights:
Critically Acclaimed Films:- Blue Moon: Directed by Richard Linklater, featuring Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley, this film delves into an unforgettable encounter between American lyricist Lorenz Hart and Rogers during the opening night of the musical "Oklahoma!"- Mickey 17: Bong Joon-ho's long-anticipated film stars Robert Pattinson in a dystopian future, where he agrees to be indefinitely cloned.- La Tour de Glace (The Ice Tower):Lucile Hadžihalilović's chilling film explores the themes of obsession and magic, starring Marion Cotillard.- Honey Bunch: Dusty Mancinelli and Madeleine Sims-Fewer's enthralling thriller promises a dark exploration of marriage and identity.
Winners of the 2025 Berlin Film Festival:- Golden Bear for Best Film: "Dreams (Sex Love)" by Dag Johan Haugerud.- Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize: "The Blue Trail."- Silver Bear for Best Director: Huo Meng for "Living the Land."- Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance: Rose Byrne for "If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You."- Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance: Andrew Scott for "Blue Moon."- Best Documentary: Brandon Kramer for "Holding Liat."- Best First Feature: Ernesto Martínez Bucio for "The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)."
At the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, the actress Rose Byrne was thrilled to win the Silver Bear for her outstanding leading performance in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You". The Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud, who previously won the Golden Bear for "Dreams (Sex Love)", had another reason to be thrilled as his film was also awarded the Silver Bear for Best Film. During the festival, the jury also recognized the outstanding artistic contribution of the ensemble in the film "The Ice Tower" directed by Lucile Hadžihalilović, with Marion Cotillard and August Diehl among its cast members.
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