The 35th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 15 to 26 February 1985. The Golden Bear was awarded to East German film Die Frau und der Fremde directed by Rainer Simon and British film Wetherby directed by David Hare. The retrospective was dedicated to Special effects.

The Golden Bear is the highest prize awarded for the best film at the Berlin International Film Festival. The bear is the heraldic animal of Berlin, featured on both the coat of arms and flag of Berlin.