The nominations for the European Film Awards have been announced, with Joachim Trier’s family drama “Sentimental Value” emerging as the frontrunner with five major nominations. The film, featuring Stellan Skarsgård as a former film director attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughters, received recognition across key categories including best film, director, and screenplay, along with acting nominations for both Skarsgård and co-star Renate Reinsve.
Close behind with four nominations is Spanish director Oliver Laxe’s “Sirāt,” a techno thriller set against the backdrop of a Moroccan desert rave. The competition also includes German filmmaker Mascha Schilinski’s “Sound of Falling,” exploring intergenerational trauma in rural Brandenburg, and Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident,” both securing three nominations each.
This year’s selection showcases remarkable diversity, with the best film shortlist featuring five animated features and five documentaries. Notable documentary contenders include portraits of controversial historical figures and examinations of contemporary political movements.
Often regarded as Europe’s equivalent to Hollywood’s Academy Awards, the European Film Awards ceremony will take place in Berlin on January 17th, marking a strategic shift from its traditional December date to align more closely with the peak of international awards season. The timing change aims to increase visibility and engagement with European audiences.
Last year’s ceremony saw French director Jacques Audiard’s musical “Emilia Pérez” dominate the awards, winning four of the five top prizes during the event held in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The complete nominations span multiple categories, recognizing achievements in directing, acting, screenwriting, and emerging talent, highlighting the breadth and depth of contemporary European cinema.
