BERLIN — The 75th Berlin International Film Festival concluded with a Norwegian film taking the prestigious top award. On Saturday, the Golden Bear was awarded to “Dreams (Sex Love),” directed by Dag Johan Haugerud, by a jury led by American filmmaker Todd Haynes. The film was praised by Haynes as a “meditation on love” that resonates deeply with its insightful narrative.

The storyline centers on a young girl, portrayed by Ella Øverbyer, who develops a crush on her female French teacher. The film explores the reactions of her mother and grandmother upon discovering her intimate writings. This film is part of a trilogy that Haugerud has recently completed; the previous installments, “Sex” and “Love,” were showcased at the Berlin and Venice Film Festivals in 2024.

The Silver Bear, awarded to the second-place film, went to “The Blue Trail,” a dystopian tale by Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro. The Jury Prize for third-place went to “The Message,” a rural narrative directed by Argentine filmmaker Ivan Fund.

Huo Meng was recognized as the best director for “Living the Land,” set against the backdrop of China during the rapidly changing 1990s. Rose Byrne earned the title of best performer for her portrayal of an overwhelmed mother in “If I had Legs, I’d Kick You,” which is directed by Mary Bronstein. Additionally, Andrew Scott was awarded the supporting performer trophy for his role as composer Richard Rodgers in Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon.”

The festival’s finale coincided with the lead-up to Germany’s early parliamentary elections, which were sparked by a collapse in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government due to disputes over economic revitalization plans. Migration has become a pivotal issue in the campaign, alongside rising concerns over the far-right Alternative for Germany’s potential record performance in this national election.