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image captionMaren Eggert, pictured in 2019, won for her performance in I'm Your Man

The Berlin Film Festival has awarded its first ever gender-neutral acting prize to Maren Eggert.

The new award, which was announced by the festival last August, means both male and female actors now compete in the same category.

German actress Eggert won for her performance as a museum researcher in the sci-fi comedy, I'm Your Man.

Berlin's decision to merge the categories could have a knock-on effect on other film award ceremonies.

The idea has previously been welcomed by screen stars such as Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton, but it has also sparked heated debate.

Mariette Risenbeek, director of the Berlin Film Festival said genderless award was intended to spark further discussions around gender justice.

Could the Oscars do the same?

Analysis by Steven McIntosh, entertainment reporter

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image captionJoaquin Phonix, Renée Zellweger and Brad Pitt were among last year's Oscar winners

It may only be a matter of time before major awards ceremonies merge their acting categories - but this is a more complicated debate than it looks.