‘There Is No Evil,’ ‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’ Win Big At The Berlin Film Festival

As the latest edition of the Berlin International Film Festival draws to a close, the Berlin jury has just announced the full list of winners during a ceremony. Mohammad Rasoulof’s “There Is No Evil” came out with the Golden Bear Award, the highest honor at the festival, while Sundance favorite “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” wins the Grand Jury Prize.

Rasoulof was unable to attend the festival as he faces a one-year prison sentence and travel ban imposed by Iranian authorities for “endangering national security” and “propaganda against the Islamic government.” Nevertheless, following the premiere of “There Is No Evil” the filmmaker released a statement saying “I am sorry that I will not be able to come to Berlin to watch the film alongside the audience,” Rasoulof said. “However, the right to choose between being present or absent at the festival is simply not mine. Imposing such restrictions very clearly exposes the intolerant and despotic nature of the Iranian government.” The film consists of four different stories that target the Iranian government policy of mass executing dissidents.

Elsewhere in the ceremony, Eliza Hittman’s abortion drama “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” which premiered at Sundance, won the runner-up jury prize. The film is scheduled to be released by Focus Features on March 13. The Silver Bear Award for Best Director went to South Korean director Hong Sang-soo for his latest drama “The Woman Who Ran” about a woman visiting old friends while hiding an ulterior motive.

Here is the complete list of winners:

Golden Bear for Best Film: “There Is No Evil,” Mohammad Rasoulof

Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize: “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” Eliza Hittman

Silver Bear for Best Director: Hong Sang Soo, “The Woman Who Ran”

Silver Bear for Best Actress: Paula Beer, “Undine”

Silver Bear for Best Actor: Elio Germano, “Hidden Away”

Silver Bear for Best Screenplay: “Bad Tales,” the D’Innocenzo Brothers

Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution, Costume or Set Design: “Dau. Natasha,” Jürgen Jürges

Berlinale Glashütte Original – Documentary Prize: “Irradiated,” Rithy Panh

Best First Feature: “Los conductos,” Camilo Restrepo

Click here for our full coverage of the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival.