The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) has officially begun unveiling films selected for its 2026 competition lineup, marking the early stages of one of the world’s most influential film events.
The 76th edition of the Berlinale is scheduled to run from February 12 to February 22, 2026, with the festival once again turning Berlin into a global hub for filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles. As is tradition, the lineup is being revealed in stages, with additional titles expected to be announced in the coming days through live press briefings and official updates.
Initial announcements confirm a strong mix of international auteurs, emerging voices, and high-profile talent, reflecting the Berlinale’s long-standing commitment to artistic diversity and global storytelling.
Several films featuring notable names such as Isabelle Huppert and Ethan Hawke have already been confirmed across various festival sections, while the broader programme includes works spanning drama, genre cinema, and socially driven narratives .
The 2026 edition is also the second Berlinale under artistic director Tricia Tuttle, with expectations that this year’s competition slate will further shape the festival’s evolving creative direction .
While the Berlinale has confirmed that films selected for the Official Competition will contend for top honours including the Golden Bear, the full list of competition titles has not yet been finalized. Festival organisers have stated that announcements are being made incrementally, with live updates planned as selections are locked in .
In addition to the main competition, films have also been announced in other key sections such as Panorama, Generation, and Special Gala, reinforcing the festival’s reputation for showcasing both mainstream and boundary-pushing cinema .
More competition titles, jury details, and premiere information are expected to be revealed before the festival opens in February. Industry observers anticipate that the final lineup will include a balance of world premieres, politically conscious films, and prestige international productions, consistent with Berlinale’s identity as one of the “big three” European film festivals.
This article will be updated as new films are officially confirmed and added to the 2026 Berlinale competition slate.