Since 1986 the Berlin International Film Festival has presented the Berlinale Camera to film personalities or institutions to which it feels particularly indebted and wishes to express its thanks.

At the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival, US filmmaker Richard Linklater was honoured with a surprise Berlinale Camera.

Richard Linklater is a long-time friend of the Berlinale. His first Competition entry Before Sunrise was awarded the Silver Bear for best director in 1995. After he was once again a guest at the Berlinale in 2004 with the sequel Before Sunset, Richard Linklater presented his comedy Fast Food Nation in the 2007 Culinary Cinema Section. The Berlinale Camera was presented yesterday evening at the premiere of Before Midnight.

Since 2004, the Berlinale Camera has been sponsored by the Düsseldorf-based goldsmith Georg Hornemann. The trophy was redesigned for the Berlinale in 2008. Modelled on a real camera, it now has 128 components. From swivel head to tripod it has been crafted and assembled with great artistry, and many of its silver and titanium parts are movable.