The 6th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 22 June to 3 July 1956. The FIAPF granted the festival the "A status" during this year, which was previously only reserved for Cannes and Venice. The awards for the first time, were given by an international jury. The Golden Bear was awarded to Invitation to the Dance directed by Gene Kelly. However, this decision by the jury was widely criticized as the film was considered "too shallow" for a Golden Bear. The favourite among many critics was the Finnish entry The Unknown Soldier by Edvin Laine, which was an anti-war film without any illusions based on a novel by Väinö Linna.

Juries

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

Main Competition

Documentary and Short Film Competitions

Official Sections

Main Competition

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

Documentary and Short Film Competitions

Official Awards

The following prizes were awarded by the Jury:

Main Competition

Documentary and Short Film Competitions

Independent Awards

OCIC Award

Audience Vote