The 32nd annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 12–23 February 1982. The Golden Bear was awarded to Veronika Voss directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The Honorary Golden Bear (Goldener Ehrenbär) was introduced for the first time in this edition to pay tribute to important figures in the world of film. The award has been presented for an exceptional artistic career and is given to the guest of honour of the Homage. In this edition it was awarded to American actor James Stewart. A new section was introduced at the festival by Manfred Salzgeber, which was renamed Panorama in 1986. The retrospective dedicated to German film director Curtis Bernhardt titled Insurrection of Emotions along with East German children's films of the 50-70s in collaboration with the DEFA.

Juries

The following people were announced as being on the jury for the festival:

Main Competition

Official Sections

Main Competition

The following films were in competition for the Golden Bear award:

Out of Competition

Retrospective and Homage

The following films were shown in the retrospective "Insurrection of Emotions: Curtis Bernhardt": The following films were shown in the retrospective "East German Children's Films": The following films were shown in the homage to James Stewart: The film Berlin: Die Sinfonie der Großstadt by Walter Ruttmann was also shown in the retrospective.

Official Awards

The following prizes were awarded by the Jury:

Honorary Golden Bear

Independent Awards

FIPRESCI Award