Recognition with meaning.
The Berlin Gate Grand Prize.
Chosen from the standout works across every section, the Grand Prize honours originality, craft, creative daring and impact.
- Exclusive Berlin Gate trophy
- Grand Prize laurel and certificate
- Official festival recognition
- Special BGIFF media feature
Recognition is a journey, not a single verdict.
Selection
Every eligible entry is screened by our selection team and competes in the one category it was entered in.
The Journey
Works move forward through the festival in stages. Every work that advances carries the mark of how far it went.
Jury Honours
The final honours — category, craft, thematic and special — are decided by the festival’s jury.
If the same work was entered in more than one category, keep the one that fits best; otherwise the festival will place it where it belongs. How and when a work is considered for craft, technical, thematic and special honours — and what further programmes and opportunities are opened to it along the way — is decided by the festival and announced to entrants.
Awards across the programme.
Not every honour is given every edition. If nothing meets the festival’s standard, it is not awarded.