Berlinale 2026: Wim Wenders to Lead 76th Edition as Festival Returns to Berlin

BERLIN, 11 February 2026 — The German capital is preparing for the grand opening of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, commonly known as the Berlinale. Running from 12 to 22 February, this year’s edition marks a significant milestone in the festival’s history, with legendary German filmmaker Wim Wenders presiding over the International Jury. As the city transforms into a global hub for cinema, the 2026 programme promises a diverse array of productions from over 80 countries, focusing on themes of family, intimacy, and social pressure.

Opening Night and Competition Highlights

The festival is set to open tomorrow, 12 February, with the World Premiere of No Good Men, a poignant Afghan production. This selection underscores the Berlinale’s long-standing commitment to showcasing voices from regions facing political and social upheaval. South Asian cinema, in particular, is seeing a surge in representation this year, with the Pakistani film Lali making its full country debut in the programme.

The main competition features a robust lineup of established auteurs and rising stars. Among the titles vying for the Golden Bear are new works from Kornél Mundruczó, İlker Çatak, and Karim Aïnouz, who presents Rosebush Pruning. Other highly anticipated entries include Markus Schleinzer’s Rose, Lance Hammer’s Queen at Sea, and Eva Trobisch’s Home.

Honorary Accolades

The 2026 Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement will be awarded to Michelle Yeoh. The Academy Award-winning actress is being recognised for her versatile career spanning decades of international and Hollywood cinema. Additionally, the festival will pay tribute to Wim Wenders, not only as Jury President but as a titan of the New German Cinema movement.

Historical Context: 75 Years of the Berlinale

Founded in 1951 during the post-war era, the Berlinale was established as a “showcase of the free world” in a divided Berlin. The first festival took place in June 1951, with the inaugural committee having first met on 9 October 1950. While the festival originally ran in the summer, it moved to its current February slot in 1978 to better align with the international film calendar.

Evolution of the Awards

In its earliest years, the winners were determined by a West German panel. In 1951, five Golden Bears were awarded across different categories and genres. Over time, the festival introduced specialized awards such as the Panorama Audience Award (established in 1999) and the Berlinale Series Award, which saw its first winner, The Good Mothers, in recent years.

The European Film Market (EFM)

Running alongside the public screenings, the European Film Market remains a vital engine for the global film industry. For 2026, US buyers and sellers are expected to provide a “much-needed impetus” to the market. The EFM serves as the first major industry gathering of the year, where distribution rights for upcoming titles—such as the Dominican drama No salgas—are negotiated for worldwide release.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the Berlinale 2026 take place?

The 76th edition of the festival runs from 12 February to 22 February 2026.

Who is the President of the Jury this year?

German film legend Wim Wenders is presiding over the International Jury for the 2026 competition.

What are the main awards of the festival?

The primary awards are the Golden Bear (for Best Film) and the Silver Bears (for individual achievements such as acting, directing, and screenplay).

Where is the festival held?

The festival is held across various venues in Berlin, Germany, with the Berlinale Palat at Potsdamer Platz serving as the central hub.

Which film is opening the 2026 festival?

The festival opens with the Afghan film No Good Men on 12 February 2026.