From 1952 to 1955 the winners of the Golden and Silver Bears, the festival’s main awards, were chosen by audience voting. After each screening, audience members had the chance to rate the film on a scale of 1 to 4.

 

In 1956 the FIAPF (Federation Internationale des Associations des Producteurs des Films) gave the Berlin International Film Festival so-called “A-Status”, giving it the privilege to award prizes through an International Jury.