The European Film Awards (EFAs) are making a bold play for influence in the global awards season, positioning themselves as a crucial champion for serious, adult-oriented cinema at a time when Hollywood's focus has shifted. The 38th edition, taking place this Saturday at Berlin's House of World Cultures, has been strategically moved to January, placing it squarely between the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
A Shift in the Awards Season Landscape
This calculated rescheduling is a clear statement of intent from the European Film Academy. The ceremony, curated by Irish documentary-maker Mark Cousins as a 'live film essay', aims to boost the profile of European filmmaking on the world stage. "Hollywood has stopped making movies for adults, with a few exceptions," noted Scott Roxborough, European bureau chief for the Hollywood Reporter. "That leaves room for the Europeans, who only make films for adults."
The move appears to be gaining traction. Distributors have held special screenings to canvas for votes, and marketing campaigns are increasingly being shaped around the EFAs. "Our major overhaul and rebranding radically boosts our profile and, indeed, European cinema's importance in the international awards season," said Mike Downey, the outgoing chair of the European Film Academy.
The Frontrunners for European Glory
Leading the pack with five nominations is Norwegian director Joachim Trier's family drama 'Sentimental Value'. The film, a meta-tale of artistic rivalry and family estrangement, has already won the Grand Prix at Cannes and a Golden Globe for its star, Stellan Skarsgård. It is widely seen as a major contender for the upcoming Oscars.
Its primary competition comes from Spanish director Óliver Laxe's thriller 'Sirāt', nominated in four categories and described as a fusion of 'Mad Max' and 'Stalker'. Other strong contenders include German newcomer Mascha Schilinski's 'The Sound of Falling' and Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi's French co-production 'It Was Just an Accident', each with three nominations.
Box Office and Cultural Confidence
While Hollywood blockbusters still dominate European cinemas, there are signs of robust health for homegrown productions. French films saw a 6% rise in international markets in 2025, and German media has urged local film not to "make itself smaller than it is." Furthermore, cinema admissions in Europe and the US are nearly neck and neck, with each generating around $8.4-$8.5 billion in 2024.
"It is not just in the culture wars that Europe is holding its own – it's at the box office as well," argued Downey. This confidence, coupled with the Oscars' increased openness to non-English language films in the Best Picture category since 2009, suggests the EFAs' spotlight could have a tangible impact. The awards night in Berlin may well prove to be more than a ceremony; it could be a declaration of independence for European cinematic art.
