The European Film Awards favour films celebrating family (Sentimental) values and “dancing in the face of oblivion”

The 38th European Film Awards, held in Berlin on January 17, 2026, offered a more restrained contrast to the high-profile US Golden Globes and Oscars, while still providing a platform for political and social commentary. Notably, the ceremony’s date was moved forward from early December to mid-January, seemingly to better position European films for consideration during the Academy Awards in mid-March.

Political Statements and Iranian Cinema

The situation in Iran was a prominent topic at the awards. Veteran Iranian director Jafar Panahi, greeted with a standing ovation, has directed films such as The White Balloon, The Mirror, The Circle, Crimson Gold, and Offside. Panahi stated, “When truth is crushed in one place, freedom is suffocated everywhere… That is why no one is safe anywhere in the world.”

Did You Know? Jafar Panahi, 65, has already served two prison sentences in Iran and recently received a third sentence of one year for creating propaganda against the political system.

Filmmaker Sara Rajaei won the best short film award for City of Poets. She dedicated the award to her deceased brother, expressing pain given the current conditions in Iran. A muted response to the situation in Gaza was observed, with a protest by the film team from The Voice of Hind Rajab being the most visible demonstration.

Award Winners and Underlying Themes

Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, received the award for best film. The film focuses on Gustav, an older Norwegian filmmaker, and his attempts to reconnect with his daughters. Liv Ullmann was honored with a lifetime achievement award and commented on the Nobel Prize, referencing US President Trump. However, she failed to note that the recipient of the Norwegian peace prize, María Corina Machado, was also considered unqualified.

Several other well-received German films, including Late Shift, Amrum, and Riefenstahl, did not receive awards. It Was Just an Accident, directed by Panahi, was a candidate but did not win.

Expert Insight: The European Film Awards, while aiming for a more politically engaged space than their American counterparts, still demonstrate a complex relationship with political statements, as evidenced by the selective attention given to different global conflicts and the nuanced reception of filmmakers like Panahi.

Sirât, by Óliver Laxe, also received recognition. The film depicts a raver scene in Morocco and was inspired by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. On Falling, produced by Ken Loach, won the Honorary Discovery Award for its portrayal of worker exploitation.

Potential Future Developments

Given the shift in the EFA ceremony’s timing, European filmmakers will continue to strategically align their releases with the Academy Awards schedule. Further political discussions at future ceremonies are likely, though the specific focus may vary depending on global events. It remains to be seen whether the EFA will continue to provide a platform for filmmakers with complex political stances, such as Panahi, and how those stances will be received.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the best film at the 38th European Film Awards?

Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, won the award for best film.

Who received a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony?

Norwegian filmmaker and actress Liv Ullmann received a lifetime achievement award.

What was Jafar Panahi’s message at the awards ceremony?

Panahi stated that when truth is crushed in one place, freedom is suffocated everywhere, and that filmmakers have a difficult task in the current global climate.

As European cinema continues to evolve, how might the European Film Awards adapt to reflect the changing landscape of both filmmaking and global politics?