40th TEDDY AWARD
About
40. TEDDY AWARD – The queer Film Award of Berlin International Film Festival
2026 will be a truly special year: the TEDDY AWARD celebrates its 40th anniversary. As part of the International Film Festival Berlin, the TEDDY will showcase from February 12 to 22, 2026 just how diverse, bold, and relevant international queer cinema is – featuring current films, the TEDDY40 Retro, and an extensive discourse program.
Alongside the Berlinale, the TEDDY will present talks, discussions, panels, and interviews on its platforms, focusing on current queer films as well as key questions and developments within the queer media industry. The program is complemented by the film market events Queer Industry Reception and Speedy Film Pitches.
All information on films and events will be published on February 4, 2026.
On February 20, 2026, the 40th TEDDY AWARD Ceremony will be presented at the Volksbühne Berlin. For four decades, the TEDDY has brought together people who create, present, support, and celebrate queer film culture. The award ceremony begins at 8:30 pm in the Grand Hall, honoring films and filmmakers who make queer perspectives visible and open up new cinematic approaches. Awards will be presented in the categories Best Feature Film, Best Documentary / Essay Film, Best Short Film, Jury Award, and Special TEDDY AWARD. The evening stands for encounter, community, and culture – shaped by emotion, political commitment, humor, art, and a wide range of queer stories.
From 10:30 pm, the salons and foyers of the Volksbühne will open for the legendary TEDDY After Show Party – an integral part of the night and a place to reunite, meet new people, dance, and come together.
Tickets for the award ceremony are available now via the Volksbühne ticket shop .
Bonus: All purchased tickets for the Grand Hall automatically enter a prize draw for a round-trip flight for two to a destination of choice within the worldwide route network of partner Air France.
