The 4U Grand Trophy
The highest honour of the edition.
Founding Edition 2026 · The Nominees
The Nominees
40 films from 24 countries, chosen by the jury from the seventy-five films of the Founding Edition. The winners are presented at the awards gala in Berlin.
Programme-wide honours
Jury Honour
The jury's special distinction for a singular vision.
Underground Spirit
The boldest, most defiant work of the edition.
Production Navigator
Exceptional resourcefulness in getting an independent film made.
Craft honours
Best Direction
Command of the whole: tone, performance, image, rhythm.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
ShortShort films, short documentaries and one-minute films
Other FormsAnimation, music video, AI and mobile film
Best Performance
An actor or presence the film could not exist without.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
ShortShort films, short documentaries and one-minute films
Other FormsAnimation, music video, AI and mobile film
Best Screenplay
Writing that takes real risks with structure or voice.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
ShortShort films, short documentaries and one-minute films
Other FormsAnimation, music video, AI and mobile film
Best Cinematography
Images only this eye could have framed.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
ShortShort films, short documentaries and one-minute films
Other FormsAnimation, music video, AI and mobile film
Best Editing
Rhythm and structure built in the cut.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
ShortShort films, short documentaries and one-minute films
Other FormsAnimation, music video, AI and mobile film
Best Sound
Sound design or mix that does real narrative work.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
ShortShort films, short documentaries and one-minute films
Other FormsAnimation, music video, AI and mobile film
Best Music
An original score or musical idea that carries the film.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
ShortShort films, short documentaries and one-minute films
Other FormsAnimation, music video, AI and mobile film
Best Production Design
A world built with intent, whatever the budget.
FeatureFeature films and feature documentaries
Themed honours
Human Rights Award
Cinema in service of dignity and justice.
Best Female Director
Outstanding direction by a woman filmmaker.
Berlin Film
A standout work with the spirit of Berlin.
LGBTQ+ Award
For a film that widens how queer lives are seen on screen.
Environmental Award
Films confronting our relationship with the planet.
The jury chooses the winner of each honour from these nominees. The date of the awards ceremony in Berlin is announced soon. The nominees for the Critics' Award, the Founder's Award and the Audience Awards are announced separately, soon.