The Competition acts as a showcase for both the festival and the international film industry. What’s new, what’s important, what direction is film heading in? The approximately 20 Competition films - all of them world or international premieres - set the course for the future and highlight new trends. The Competition presents big names, stars and masters of the film trade. But time and again the Competition also discovers films made by new talents who are not yet internationally well-known.  

The newest productions made in the current year from all over the world are considered during the selection process for the Competition. Sometimes these films are still edited and mixed in January before being presented to international audiences a month later at the Berlinale. The whole festival, but in particular the Competition, is characterized by the thrill of the new and the “magic of the first time.” 

 

The films are chosen by the festival director Dieter Kosslick, who is advised by a selection committee. The committee is made up of the directors of the individual festival programme sections, as well as other film experts such as the Berlinale's overseas delegates. 

It’s when the International Jury awards the Bears, the festival's main prizes, that every Berlinale reaches its festive high-point. The Golden Bear goes to the "Best Film". A Silver Bear is given as the "Jury Grand Prix". Silver Bears are also awarded in the categories "Best Director", "Best Actress", "Best Actor" and "Outstanding Artistic Achievement". A Silver Bear for "Best Film Music" has been awarded since 2002.  

 

In addition to the Bears, the International Jury awards the Best First Feature Award and the Alfred-Bauer-Prize, named after the festival's founding director, for a work "that takes the art of film in a new direction." Being selected for the Competition programme, not to mention receiving a prize, is very important for many filmmakers and has a huge impact on the success of their work.  

 

Looking at the list of previous Berlinale prizewinners is enough to make any film buff's mouth water. If you wish to learn more about the festival's films and stars and its exciting history, you will find a generous amount of information in the online archive.