Golden Bear

Taxi

Country of Production: Iran
Director: Jafar Panahi

The jury was moved by the "love" that permeates the film.

Constraints can be a nuisance for filmmakers. While limitations can sometimes spark unprecedented ideas, they more often hinder the realization of original intentions or dampen creative drive. For Iranian social-issue director Jafar Panahi, however, constraints are an unavoidable reality. His work, often described as Iranian Neorealism—an artistic expression that depicts reality using realistic methods as a form of resistance against fascism—has led to all but his debut film, "The White Balloon," being banned from screening in Iran. He has been imprisoned twice, and even after his release, he is prohibited from any filmmaking activities and is not allowed to leave the country.

Despite these restrictions, Panahi has never given up on filmmaking. Instead, he has turned his imposed limitations into an advantage, continuously exploring new methods within them. In his latest submission, "Taxi," he boldly adopted a unique shooting style, directing and filming from behind the wheel of a taxi he himself drives. The film captures contemporary Iranian society through the lens of a yellow cab and its camera. At the awards ceremony, jury president Darren Aronofsky announced "Taxi" with the following praise: "Instead of lamenting or raging against his restrictions, Jafar Panahi has created a work that is a love letter to cinema. It is filled with his immense love for film, for its audience, and for Iran."

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Grand Jury Prize (Silver Bear)

El Club

Country of Production: Chile
Director: Pablo Larraín

"This will be a masterpiece for the ages."

A social drama depicting men who brought down a regime through advertisingNOPablo Larraín, the acclaimed director behind "NO," which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, has delivered a Grand Jury Prize winner with his social drama "El Club." Presenter Claudia Llosa declared, "This will undoubtedly be a masterpiece for the ages." The film portrays five clergymen who, having committed past transgressions, live in exile in a remote seaside town, bound by strict rules. Through their journey toward forgiveness and redemption, the film sheds light on the opaque aspects of the Catholic Church. Upon receiving the award, Larraín stated, "In the world today, many lives are sacrificed in the name of God. I sincerely hope that one day, this will come to an end."

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Best Actor (Silver Bear)
Best Actress (Silver Bear)

Tom Courtenay & Charlotte Rampling in "45 Years"

Country of Production: United Kingdom
Director: Andrew Haigh

Two of Britain's most esteemed actors sweep the acting awards.

Tom Courtenay and Charlotte Rampling, who portray a married couple in "45 Years," took home both the Best Actor and Best Actress awards. The film, adapted from a short story by poet David Constantine, is directed by Andrew Haigh, known for "Weekend." It depicts a crisis that befalls a couple who have been together for 45 years. Upon receiving her award, Rampling shared a personal connection to Berlin: "The first time I heard Berlin's name was when my father won a gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. As a competitive young girl, I always wanted to achieve something in Berlin myself someday, perhaps to receive the baton from my father. Today, this Silver Bear feels like the fulfillment of that long-held dream."

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Alfred Bauer Prize (Silver Bear)
Ixcanul
Country of Production: Guatemala, France
Director: Jayro Bustamante

Best Director (Silver Bear)
Aferim!
Country of Production: Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic
Director: Radu Jude

Best Director (Silver Bear)
Body
Country of Production: Poland
Director: Malgorzata Szumowska

Best Screenplay (Silver Bear)
The Pearl Button
Country of Production: France, Chile, Spain
Director: Patricio Guzmán