1st Berlin International Film Festival 1st Berlin International Film Festival The 1st annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 6 to 17 June 1951. The opening film was Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca". At this very first Berlin Festival, the Golden Bear award was introduced, and it was awarded to the best film in each of five categories: drama, comedy, crime or adventure, music film, and documentary. This system disappeared already the following year, partly because films that year were voted on by the audience. The following people were announced as being on the jury for the festival: The following films were in competition for the
6th Berlin International Film Festival were in competition for the Golden Bear and Silver Bear awards: The following prizes were awarded by the Jury: 6th Berlin International Film Festival The 6th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 22 June to 3 July 1956. The FIAPF granted the festival the "A status" during this year, which previously only reserved for Cannes and Venice. The awards for the first time, were given by an international jury. Golden Bear was awarded to "Invitation to the Dance" directed by Gene Kelly. However the decision by the Marcel Carné-led jury to award the Golden Bear to Gene Kelly