The European Film Awards recently celebrated its latest winners in what turned out to be a show full of surprises, meaningful political statements, and highlights that could easily reshape perceptions of European cinema’s role on the global stage. But here's where it gets controversial... many of the winners and moments sparked discussions that go beyond just film, touching on politics, activism, and the industry’s future.
Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve took home the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, for their compelling performances as father and daughter in Joachim Trier’s film "Sentimental Value." Interestingly, Skarsgård had just been recognized with a Golden Globe for supporting actor in the same role the week prior. Both performers are now seen as strong contenders for upcoming Oscar nominations.
"Sentimental Value" didn’t just earn acting honors—it also secured the trophy for Best Screenplay, with Trier and Eskil Vogt at the helm. This film’s success indicates a shift in focus: the European Awards, which moved their ceremony from December to mid-January this year, seem intent on positioning their winners as serious Oscar contenders. And from the looks of things, it’s working.
Every film nominated for Best European Film this year has the potential to cross over into Oscar contention. Titles like Joachim Trier’s "Sentimental Value," Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning "It Was Just an Accident," Olivier Laxe’s dystopian road movie "Sirāt," Mascha Schilinski’s multi-generational period drama "Sound of Falling," and Kaouther Ben Hania’s gripping Gaza-set story "The Voice of Hind Rajab" are all making waves.
The director’s race features notable names such as Panahi, Laxe, Trier, and Schilinski, competing against Yorgos Lanthimos—whose film "Bugonia" features Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons—as they vie for recognition. Early in the event, "Sirāt" and "Sound of Falling" both picked up awards for technical achievements, including design, sound, editing, and casting, showcasing the strength of European craftsmanship.
Additionally, the documentary "Fiume o Morte!" by Igor Bezinović was awarded for its darkly satirical portrayal of a historical crisis, which uses a vivid reconstruction to comment on political and social upheavals. The animation "Arco" claimed the prize for European Animation, highlighting the continent’s diverse storytelling talents, while hair and makeup artist Torsten Witte received a special honor for "Bugonia" for his outstanding work in that craft.
But the spectacle wasn’t just about awards or film craft—it was also a stage for voices demanding attention to urgent global issues. From the very beginning, politics overshadowed typical Hollywood glitz. Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who couldn’t attend in person, delivered a powerful message about the dire protests in Iran. Standing ovation in the hall, he condemned the violent crackdown by his government—the deaths, arrests, and ongoing brutality. His plea was clear: silence in the face of such atrocities is complicity.
Panahi’s speech came amid a tragic crackdown on protests following the death of a young woman in police custody. Reports suggest at least 3,000 lives lost and over 18,000 detained—an unthinkable scale of violence that echoes across the world. His words served as a reminder that cinema and art are inherently tied to activism and truth, especially in times of crisis.
Norwegian filmmaker Liv Ullmann, iconic for classics like "Cries and Whispers," was honored with a lifetime achievement award. She used her moment of recognition to make a witty comment about the misuse of the Nobel Peace Prize, referencing a recent controversial act of a Venezuelan opposition leader donating her medal to Donald Trump—highlighting the importance of integrity in awards and recognition.
Italian director Alice Rohrwacher, known for "La Chimera," "Futura," and "Happy as Lazzaro," received the European Achievement in World Cinema award. She dedicated her honor to her sister, actress Alba Rohrwacher, and issued a rallying call for persistence, encouraging viewers to remain "stubborn and contrary"—a stance against the destructive push for war, resource exploitation, and environmental devastation that threaten our collective future.
The event’s full list of winners over various categories underscores the diversity and intensity of contemporary European cinema. Films like "Afternoons of Solitude," "Little Amelie," and "With Hasan in Gaza" showcased a range of stories, from introspective personal journeys to politically charged narratives.
The awards also recognized the craftsmanship behind these films, with honors for cinematography, editing, production design, costume design, casting, and sound. Notably, the award for European Discovery—a prize that often signals future global stars—went to "On Falling," a film that has captured attention for its innovative storytelling.
However, perhaps the most striking aspect of this year's ceremony was its unflinching engagement with global issues. Unlike other industry events that shy away from politics, the EFAs embraced advocacy head-on. This raises a vital question: can cinema truly be apolitical in today’s climate, or does using awards as a platform for activism threaten to divide audiences?
And this is the part most people miss—film festivals and awards are not just about celebrating art; they are moments where global issues, ideologies, and societal values intersect. Do you agree that filmmakers have a moral duty to speak out? Or should art remain separate from politics? Share your thoughts below—and join the conversation that shapes the future of cinema.
