Yellow Letters wins Berlin Golden Bear at film festival overshadowed by Gaza row

February 21, 2026

TL;DR

The Golden Bear, the top prize at the Berlin film festival, was awarded to Yellow Letters, a Turkish drama about authoritarianism.
The festival was marked by a significant row over politics in cinema, including jury president Wim Wenders' comments on activism.
Controversy escalated with an open letter from industry heavyweights condemning the festival's perceived silence on Gaza.
Several filmmakers and prize winners used the platform to criticize Israel and the far right.
The Berlinale is known for its politically minded programming and support for artists from repressive countries.
Other award winners included Emin Alper's Salvation (Grand Jury award), Lance Hammer's Queen at Sea (jury prize), Grant Gee for Everybody Digs Bill Evans (best director), Sandra Hüller for Rose (best performance), and Anna Calder-Marshall and Tom Courtenay for Queen at Sea (best supporting performance).

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