European Film Awards 2026: Winners Announced
The 2026 European Film Awards (EFA) ceremony took place in Berlin, shifting from its traditional December schedule to January. This change aims to align the awards with the international film award season. While the EFA winners won’t directly influence the Academy Awards nominees due to prior voting closure, they might still play a significant role in shaping Oscar voters’ preferences ahead of the ceremony in March.
Major Winners of the European Film Awards 2026
Several films showcased at the EFA are contenders for future Oscar nominations, including:
- “Bugonia”
- “Sentimental Value”
- “It Was Just an Accident”
Last year’s EFA winner, “Emilia Pérez,” faced backlash when the lead actor’s past conduct surfaced, affecting its Academy Award prospects. This year, “It Was Just an Accident,” a co-production between Iran, France, and Luxembourg, surprisingly did not receive any awards.
Notable Achievements
“Sentimental Value” was the standout film, securing multiple awards:
- Best Film
- Best Director – Joachim Trier
- Best Actress – Renate Reinsve
- Best Actor – Stellan Skarsgård
- Best Screenwriters – Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier
This triumph positions “Sentimental Value” as a strong candidate for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, along with nominations for its lead actors.
Impact of Political Statements
The ceremony featured a poignant address from Jafar Panahi, director of “It Was Just an Accident,” who is facing imprisonment in Iran. He urged attendees to recognize global oppression, stating, “Silence in a time of crime is not neutrality.” His call for awareness underscored the challenging environment for artists today.
Lifetime Achievements and Noteworthy Films
Italian director Alice Rohrwacher received an award for her contributions to world cinema. Meanwhile, Liv Ullmann, renowned for her roles in Ingmar Bergman’s films, received a lifetime achievement award, making a statement about the misuse of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Spanish film “Sirāt” also shone brightly at the event, winning five awards and being Spain’s submission for the Academy Awards. Key recognitions included:
- Best Cinematographer – Mauro Herce
- Best Casting Director
- Best Editor – Cristóbal Fernández
“Sirāt” aims to make a mark at the Oscars, joining other successful titles like “No Other Choice” and “The Secret Agent.”
Complete List of Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Film | “Sentimental Value” |
| Best Director | Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value” |
| Best Actress | Renate Reinsve for “Sentimental Value” |
| Best Actor | Stellan Skarsgård for “Sentimental Value” |
| Best Documentary | “Fiume o Morte!” directed by Igor Bezinović |
| Best Animated Feature Film | “Arco” directed by Ugo Bienvenu |
| European Short Film – Prix Vimeo | “City of Poets” directed by John Smith |
The ceremony’s combination of poignant speeches and outstanding film achievements highlights the evolving landscape of European cinema. As filmmakers navigate both artistic and political challenges, the influence of the European Film Awards continues to grow.
