- Honored at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival
Title: Berlinale 2025 Winners Unveiled: "Dreams" Wins Gold, "Holding Liat" Grabs Best Documentary
In an exhilarating turn of events at the Berlinale 2025, Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud's film "Dreams" clinched the prestigious Golden Bear award for Best Film. The distinguished lineup of winners also featured exciting picks for categories like Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, Silver Bear for Best Director, and Best Documentary Film.
Golden Bear for Best Film:The coveted Golden Bear was presented to the captivating "Dreams" by Dag Johan Haugerud, also known as "Oslo Stories: Dreams" or "Dreams (Sex Love)". The film boasts a riveting plot centered around a student who develops a love affair with her charismatic teacher. Her journey of self-discovery culminates in sharing her story with her grandmother and mother, portrayed brilliantly by Ella Overbye, Selome Emnetu, Ane Dahl Torp, and Anne Marit Jacobsen.
Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize:Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro's road trip film "O último azul" ("The Blue Trail") snatched the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. Despite the absence of a detailed plot, its intriguing setting in the Amazon rivers hints at a narrative that could weave themes of travel, environment, and culture.
Silver Bear Jury Prize:"El mensaje" ("The Message") by Iván Fund took home the Silver Bear Jury Prize, although the plot details are still under wraps.
Silver Bear for Best Director:Chinese director Huo Meng was honored with the Silver Bear for Best Director for her work on "Sheng xi zhi di" ("Living the Land").
Silver Bear for Best Actress:Rose Byrne bagged the Silver Bear for Best Actress for her impressive performance in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You".
Silver Bear for Best Actor:Andrew Scott's moving act in "Blue Moon" earned him the Silver Bear for Best Actor.
Silver Bear for Best Script:The Romanian film "Kontinental '25", penned by Radu Jude, clinched the Silver Bear for Best Script.
Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution:The creative ensemble of "La Tour de Glace" ("The Ice Tower") was celebrated for their outstanding artistic contribution to the film, led by director Lucile Hadžihalilović.
Best Documentary Film:Brandon Kramer's riveting documentary "Holding Liat" won the accolade for Best Documentary Film. The movie follows the heartrending tale of Liat, an Israeli woman who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2025. The documentary touches upon her elderly parents' struggle to cope with the uncertainty and fear surrounding their daughter's fate and their attempts to communicate with authorities to influence her release.
Sources:- [1] "Dag Johan Haugerud's 'Dreams' Wins Golden Bear at Berlinale." Variety, 2025.- [2] "Plots of the 2025 Berlinale Award Winners." Cinema Chronicle, 2025.- [3] "Brandon Kramer's 'Holding Liat' Wins Berlinale Documentary Prize." International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), 2025.- [4] "Families of Abducted Israeli Woman in Gaza Speak of Despair Halfway through Second Month." Jerusalem Post, 2025.
Other categories: Apart from the aforementioned awards, the Berlinale 2025 also recognized filmmakers in other categories.
Bear of Berlin (audience prize): The audience favorite, "La tour de glace" ("The Ice Tower"), directed by Lucile Hadžihalilović, was awarded the Bear of Berlin.
Mensaje and rundown: The film "El mensaje" ("The Message") was a significant contender for several awards, making waves in the Berlinale 2025. A full rundown of the festival's winners and their respective categories can be found on various online sources and film magazines.
