​The Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement was awarded to British actress Tilda Swinton this year.

The 75th Berlin International Film Festival concluded on February 23, 2025, showcasing a diverse selection of films and honoring exceptional talent from around the world. This year marked the debut of Tricia Tuttle as the festival’s artistic director, bringing a fresh perspective to the renowned event.

The festival’s top honor, the Golden Bear for Best Film, was awarded to ​Drømmer (Dreams), a Norwegian drama directed by Dag Johan Haugerud. The film, which completes Haugerud’s trilogy following Sex and Love, tells the story of a 17-year-old girl who falls in love with her teacher. Exploring themes of desire, morality, and power dynamics, Drømmer captivated both the jury and audiences.

​Among the Silver Bear recipients, the Grand Jury Prize was awarded to ​O último azul (The Blue Trail), a Brazilian drama by Gabriel Mascaro, which follows a 77-year-old woman navigating economic hardship while seeking a renewed purpose in life. The Jury Prize went to El mensaje (The Message), an Argentinian film by Iván Fund. Created with limited resources, the film highlights the resilience of independent filmmaking. In his speech, Fund addressed the challenges facing Argentina’s film industry, calling for solidarity among artists.

The Best Director award was presented to Huo Meng for Sheng xi zhi di (Living the Land), a compelling exploration of the tension between traditional rural life and modern technological change in China.

The festival also celebrated exceptional performances in acting. Rose Byrne won the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance for her role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, delivering a deeply nuanced portrayal. Andrew Scott received the Best Supporting Performance award for his role as composer Richard Rodgers in Blue Moon, directed by Richard Linklater.

The Best Screenplay award was presented to Radu Jude for Kontinental '25, a sharp critique of capitalism, shot in just ten days using an iPhone. Meanwhile, the Outstanding Artistic Contribution award was given to Lucile Hadžihalilović for La tour de glace (The Ice Tower), an atmospheric fairy-tale-inspired film that mesmerized audiences with its unique visual style.

A special highlight of this year’s Berlinale was the presentation of the Honorary Golden Bear to Tilda Swinton in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to global cinema. The British actress, known for her transformative roles and innovative performances, was celebrated for her profound impact on the film industry.

In the Panorama section, the Audience Award for Best Fiction Film went to Sorda (Deaf), the debut feature by Spanish director Eva Libertad. The film tells the story of Ángela, a deaf woman navigating the challenges of motherhood in a predominantly hearing world, with an authentic performance by the director’s sister, Miriam Garlo.

The 75th Berlinale reaffirmed its standing as a leading international film festival, celebrating bold storytelling and artistic innovation. From intimate character studies to grand cinematic spectacles, this year’s program reflected the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary filmmaking. As the festival came to a close, it left audiences and critics with unforgettable cinematic experiences and set the tone for another exciting year in global cinema.