European Film Awards Leader Discusses Exciting Changes and a Personal Touch for the Upcoming Ceremony
In anticipation of the Oscars, Los Angeles is buzzing with invite-only events, including the Chanel and Charles Finch dinner, the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Night Before benefit gala, and intimate gatherings hosted by agencies CAA and WME.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, select guests of the 38th European Film Awards gathered Saturday evening for a unique experience, enjoying home-cooked meals prepared by local members of the European Film Academy (EFA).
“Volker Schlöndorff is cooking dinner,” said one attendee, referencing the acclaimed director of The Tin Drum, who is currently working on his new feature film, Visitation.
This initiative, launched two years ago, aims to foster connections among industry professionals. “It was a great success because many people who didn’t know one another before spent an evening having dinner in the kitchen of another member,” one organizer noted.
The growing EFA membership, now exceeding 5,400 individuals from more than 50 countries, reflects a 30% increase over the last five years. Wouter Knol, who became EFA director in 2021, has spearheaded efforts to enhance the organization’s influence.
Pre-ceremony highlights on Friday included the Mayor’s Night at Berlin’s city hall, attended by nominees such as Jafar Panahi, Stellan Skarsgård, and Vicky Krieps, alongside honorees Liv Ullmann and Alice Rohrwacher. Additionally, Babylon Berlin producer X Filme Creative Pool hosted a dinner at its new Berlin headquarters for producers.
Leading the nominations this year is Norwegian director Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, which has received nominations for best film, director, and screenplay. Co-stars Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård are nominated for best actress and actor, respectively.
Other notable contenders include Oliver Laxe’s Morocco-set drama Sirāt with four nominations, and Mascha Schilinski’s film Sound of Falling and Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident, both with three nominations.
Date Change & Revamped Ceremony
This year’s awards are being recognized as a significant milestone. The ceremony has shifted from its traditional December date to January, taking place at Berlin’s House of World Cultures.
Irish-Scottish filmmaker Mark Cousins is curating the event, promising “a live film essay” that celebrates European cinema, alongside a team that includes film composer Dascha Dauenhauer and stage director Robert Lehniger.
“It has been quite a transition year for us,” Wouter Knol explained, noting that the date change has initiated an overhaul of the selection process. “It’s a complex pan-European process. We have made sure that films were made available much earlier for members, allowing them ample time to watch the films, which is beneficial.”
Knol emphasized that the date change has already had a positive impact on audience engagement with both the awards and European cinema. “Now we’re in the middle of awards season, and this is when audiences, not just professionals, are interested in watching nominated films,” he said. The EFA has seen a rise in rights-holders organizing special screenings for both members and general audiences.
He cited a six-week pilot at Germany’s Yorck Kino cinema chain, showcasing nominated films introduced by EFA members or connected individuals. “This move wasn’t about putting the awards in the spotlight but rather about putting European cinema more in the spotlight on all levels,” he said.
Knol mentioned that EFA consulted with Hollywood awards organizations before determining the January 17 date, strategically placed just after the Golden Globes and as Oscar nominations close.
“The most important thing for us is that the talent can attend, which adds value to the awards show. We were in close contact with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the team behind the Golden Globes, as well as the Academy Awards,” he added.
EFA also gauged the feasibility of the date with talent agents and producers, concluding that Saturday was the best option.
Looking ahead, Knol confirmed that future ceremonies will alternate between Berlin and other European cities, with the 2027 event set for Athens.
While some industry professionals express concerns about the scheduling, particularly regarding the clash with Unifrance’s Rendez-vous in Paris, Knol remains optimistic. “We both work toward the same goal: strengthening European cinema, and I trust that we’ll find solutions for the future,” he said.
As the awards ceremony approaches, Knol anticipates a blend of prize-giving with multimedia performances that reflect key moments in European film history, promising a visual presentation that will be both artistic and glamorous.
