The 2026 edition was heavily influenced by global political tensions, specifically regarding Gaza, which led to several interruptions during the awards ceremony. Despite the friction, the jury led by Wim Wenders highlighted the quality of Turkish cinema, also awarding the Grand Jury Prize to Erkin Alper's Salvation.

Catalan and Spanish productions also made their mark. Lucía G. Romero's Cura Sana won the Gen-Z Audience Award, while Ian de la Rosa's Iván & Hadoum took home the Teddy Award for best LGBTQ+ film.

Acting honors were presented to Sandra Hüller for Rose, and veteran actors Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder-Marshall for their roles in Queen at sea, a film that also received the Jury Prize.