The 46th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 15 to 26 February 1996.

[2] The Golden Bear was awarded to Sense and Sensibility directed by Ang Lee.

[3] The retrospective dedicated to American film director, producer and screenwriter William Wyler was shown at the festival.

[4] The following people were announced as being on the jury for the festival:[5] The following films were in competition for the Golden Bear and Silver Bear awards:[1] The following prizes were awarded by the Jury:[3]