The Berlinale's 2026 competition was notably competitive, with multiple films contending for the coveted Golden Bear. Jury chairman Wim Wenders highlighted the high standards, indicating that many titles could have easily won. Ultimately, 'Yellow Letters' by Ilker Catak, which tells a compelling story of two artists in Ankara who, after becoming victims of a repressive state system, must navigate personal and professional devastation, captured the jury's heart and secured the top prize.

'Yellow Letters' delves into the lives of a married couple, showcasing their struggles as they face the oppressive reality of losing their jobs and home due to political repression. The narrative follows them and their thirteen-year-old daughter as they are forced to relocate to the mother-in-law's home in Istanbul. It intricately portrays various responses to trauma and crisis, with the husband clinging to his convictions while the wife's adaptation leads her to an acting role in a state-run soap opera, reflecting the pervasive influence of the regime on personal choices.

Through this film, Catak does not judge his characters' decisions but instead provides a raw and empathetic look at a family shattered by the harsh realities of living under repression. The film stands out as a powerful political commentary, making a significant impact at the festival and drawing attention to the broader issues surrounding freedom and artistic expression in repressive environments.