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
66th Berlin International Film Festival 66th Berlin International Film Festival The 66th Berlin International Film Festival was held from 11 to 21 February 2016, with American actress Meryl Streep as the President of the Jury. The Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement was presented to German cinematographer Michael Ballhaus. "Hail, Caesar!", directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, was selected to open the festival. The Golden Bear was awarded to the Italian documentary "Fire at Sea", directed by Gianfranco Rosi, which also serves as closing night film. The following people were on the jury for the Berlinale Competition section: The following people were on the jury