The Bavarian Film Awards (German: Bayerischer Filmpreis) have been awarded annually since 1979 by the state government of Bavaria in Germany for "exceptional achievement in German filmmaking." Along with the German Film Awards, these are the most highly regarded awards for filmmaking achievement in Germany.^[1]

The Bavarian Film Awards Gala takes place in mid-January at the Cuvilliés Theatre in Munich to honour films released in the previous year, and is one of the most glamorous highlights in the German film calendar. These awards are endowed with a cash disbursement totaling €400,000. The largest endowment, at €200,000, is given with the award for Best Producing, for "the single most exceptional German film that leaves the greatest overall impression." The other awards are each given with endowments of €10,000–25,000. Award winners are also given a porcelain statuette of the Commedia dell'arte character Pierrot, designed by Franz Anton Bustelli and manufactured in the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich.

Categories

The award winners are chosen by a state-appointed jury in the following categories:

• Best Producing – (winners)
• Best Directing – (winners)
• Best Acting – (winners)
• Best Screenplay – (winners)
• Best Cinematography – (winners)
• Best Editing – (winners)
• Best Film Score – (winners)
• Best Production Design – (winners)
• Best Documentary Film – (winners)
• Best Young People's Film – (winners)
• Special Prize – (winners)

The Prime Minister of Bavaria is also able to grant an Honorary Award. – (winners)