The European Film Awards delivered a night of cinematic triumphs and powerful statements. Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value emerged as a clear frontrunner, but the event was so much more than just a celebration of film; it was a stage for vital voices to be heard. Let's dive into the highlights!
Joachim Trier took home the coveted Best European Director award for Sentimental Value at the 38th European Film Awards. This victory was just the icing on the cake, as the film also secured awards for Best Screenwriter (Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier), Best European Actor (Stellan Skarsgård), Best European Actress (Renate Reinsve), and Best Score. It's safe to say Sentimental Value had a phenomenal night!
But the competition was fierce! Oliver Laxe's Sirāt, a drama set in Morocco, was another strong contender. Other notable films included Mascha Schilinski’s debut Sound of Falling and Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident.
Sirāt didn't leave empty-handed. It dominated the craft awards, winning Best European Production Designer, Best European Sound Design, Best European Editor, Best European Casting Director, and Best European Cinematographer. A true testament to the film's technical brilliance.
In other exciting news, Ugo Bienvenu's Arco continued its winning streak, snagging the Best European Animated Feature Film award. Produced by Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas's production banner, Arco had already gained acclaim, including a Best Film award at the Annecy International Film Festival and a spot on the Bafta long-list.
Here's where the evening took a powerful turn. Iranian director Jafar Panahi delivered a passionate speech at the ceremony's opening, urging the world not to remain silent in the face of the ongoing crisis in Iran. He spoke of the brutal crackdown by the Iranian government on nationwide protests, emphasizing the urgent need for global attention and action. He powerfully stated, "When the truth is crushed in one place, freedom suffocates everywhere."
Honorary awards were also presented to Norwegian acting legend Liv Ullmann and Italian director Alice Rohrwacher, recognizing their outstanding contributions to cinema. Ullmann used her platform to highlight the importance of cinema in reflecting human reality.
Furthermore, Maren Ade, Jonas Dornbach, and Janine Jackowski, the co-heads of Germany’s KomplizenFilm, were recognized with the Eurimages International Co-Production Award. They took the opportunity to celebrate Sentimental Value and other co-productions, which included films like The Whistlers, The Story of My Wife, and About Dry Grasses.
Here is a list of the 2026 European Film Awards winners:
- Best European Director: Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value
- Best European Actor: Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value
- Best European Actress: Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value
- Best European Animated Feature Film: Arco (France), Directed by Ugo Bienvenu
- Best European Documentary: Fiume o Morte! (Croatia, Slovenia, Italy), Directed by Igor Bezinović
- European Cinematographer: Mauro Herce for Sirāt
- Best European Screenwriter: Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value
- Best European Editor: Cristóbal Fernández for Sirāt
- European Composer (Original Score): Hania Rani for Sentimental Value
- European Casting Director: Nadia Acimi, Luís Bértolo & María Rodrigo for Sirāt
- Best European Make-up & Hair Artist: Torsten Witte for Bugonia
- European Sound Designer: Laia Casanovas for Sirāt
- European Production Designer: Laia Ateca for Sirāt
- European Costume Designer: Sabrina Krämer for Sound Of Falling
- European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI: On Falling (United Kingdom, Portugal), Directed by Laura Carreira
- European Young Audience Award: Siblings (Italy), Directed by Greta Scarano
- European Short Film – Prix Vimeo: City of Poets, Directed by John Smith
What are your thoughts on the winners and the speeches? Do you agree with the choices made, and what impact do you think these awards will have on the films and filmmakers involved? Share your opinions in the comments below!
