Tuya's Marriage beat another 21 entries to be named top film In pictures: Berlin Awards

Accepting the award, director Wang Quan'an said he could not imagine a better gift for Chinese New Year.

US-born Israeli Joseph Cedar took best director for his war drama Beaufort.

The prize for best actor went to Argentina's Julio Chavez in The Other, while Nina Hoss of Germany scooped best actress for her role in Yella.

The Other won the Jury Grand Prix award, effectively the runner-up in the best film category, as well.

There was also recognition for The Good Shepherd, American director Robert De Niro's drama on the origins of the CIA intelligence service.

Hoss said she had not expected to beat rivals such as Cate Blanchett

Scottish director David Mackenzie collected the best music award for Hallam Foe, which starred Billy Elliot actor Jamie Bell.

And South Korean director Park Chan-wook was honoured for his innovation in his comedy I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK.

The awards were announced on Saturday evening as the 11-day festival neared its conclusion.

'Authentic life'

"A very beautiful dream has become reality for me here," Mr Wang said after receiving the Golden Bear statuette.

"Perhaps this is the last glance at the herds people of the region," he said of his film.

The Good Shepherd tells how the CIA intelligence service began

"I think that it is important, particularly in this time when the economy is booming, to ponder and reflect on what we're losing."

He said that the best films were not those which solved problems or gave answers, but those which simply showed life "authentically".

Correspondents said the choice of Tuya's Marriage as best film came as a mild surprise to the assembled critics and journalists.