The 48th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 11 to 22 February 1998.

[2] The festival opened with the Irish film The Boxer by Jim Sheridan.

Francis Ford Coppola's The Rainmaker was selected as the closing night film.

[3][4] The Golden Bear was awarded to Central Station directed by Walter Salles.

[5] The retrospective was dedicated to Siodmak Bros., titled Siodmak Bros. Berlin – London – Paris – Hollywood was shown at the festival.