European Cinema Shines: 38th European Film Awards Set for Global Livestream from Berlin
Berlin, Germany – The European film world turns its gaze to Berlin this Saturday, January 17, 2026, as the 38th European Film Awards prepare to honor the continent's most outstanding cinematic achievements. Anticipated by film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, the prestigious gala, often dubbed the "European Oscars," is poised for a significant showing at the iconic Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), promising a night of celebration for the vibrant tapestry of European storytelling. For the first time, the event has strategically shifted its calendar placement, aiming to amplify its global presence within the competitive awards season.
A New Era for Europe's Premier Film Celebration
The decision to move the European Film Awards from their traditional early December slot to mid-January marks a pivotal moment for the European Film Academy (EFA). This strategic repositioning places the event firmly within the international awards corridor, directly following the Golden Globes and ahead of the BAFTAs and Oscars. Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO of the European Film Academy, expressed optimism that this change will create greater impact for nominated European films and solidify the academy's role as a key player in the global awards landscape. This shift not only allows academy members a full December to thoroughly evaluate the nominated films but also integrates European cinema more seamlessly into broader awards discussions.
This year's ceremony, curated by Irish-Scottish filmmaker Mark Cousins, with German composer Dascha Dauenhauer crafting the musical concept and German stage director Robert Lehniger overseeing the event, is expected to be an artistic experience in itself. The EFA, with its current president Juliette Binoche at the helm, continues its mission to celebrate and promote the diversity and excellence of European cinema, a legacy established since its founding in 1988.
Celebrating a Rich Tapestry of Talent
The 38th European Film Awards will recognize achievements across 22 categories, with a total of 88 nominees vying for the coveted statuettes. The categories span a wide range, including European Film, European Director, European Actress, European Actor, European Screenwriter, European Documentary, European Animated Feature Film, European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI, and European Short Film – Prix Vimeo, alongside numerous Excellence Awards acknowledging crafts such as cinematography, editing, and sound design.
Highlighting the breadth of European talent, several honorary awards have already been announced. Norwegian screen legend Liv Ullmann will receive the European Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing her profound contributions to cinema. Italian director Alice Rohrwacher is set to be honored with the European Achievement in World Cinema award. The Eurimages International Co-Production Award will be presented to the German production trio Maren Ade, Jonas Dornbach, and Janine Jackowski from Komplizen Film, acknowledging their crucial role in fostering international collaboration within the industry.
Among the films generating significant buzz are nominated titles such as Hakim Tria's Sentimental Value, Olivia Lax's post-apocalyptic odyssey Sirāt, and Jafar Panahi's compelling thriller It Was Just an Accident. The documentary category sees films like Albert Serra's Afternoons of Solitude and Igor Bezinović's Fiume o morte! in contention, while animated features like Ugo Bienvenu's Arco and Irene Iborra Rizo's Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake represent the vibrant animation landscape.
Global Reach Through Digital Accessibility
For those unable to attend the Berlin ceremony, the European Film Academy has ensured widespread global access through a comprehensive livestream. The entire red carpet event, exclusive interviews, and the full awards ceremony will be streamed live on the official europeanfilmawards.eu website. The livestream is scheduled to begin at 18:00 CET, with the official broadcast commencing at 20:00 CET.
Beyond the official website, numerous partner platforms across Europe will also carry the live broadcast, including Cineuropa, Euronews, Filmweb, and the websites of various international film festivals such as Tampere, Cork, Helsinki, and Zagreb. This extensive digital reach underscores the EFA's commitment to attracting new audiences to European cinema and sharing the celebration of its artistic diversity with a worldwide viewership. The accessibility provided by the livestream allows millions to participate in acknowledging the artistic merit and cultural significance of European productions, many of which might otherwise receive limited global exposure.
A Legacy of Championing European Cinema
The European Film Awards, established in 1988 by a collective of prominent filmmakers including Ingmar Bergman, were born from a desire to counteract the growing dominance of Hollywood and to actively promote the unique voice and diversity of European filmmaking. Over the decades, the European Film Academy has grown to include over 5,000 members—film professionals from across the continent—who participate in the rigorous selection and voting process for the awards.
The Academy's mission extends beyond the annual awards ceremony; it actively champions European film heritage, supports young talent, and fosters critical debates within the industry. The awards serve as a vital platform, spotlighting films that often embody profound cultural narratives and innovative artistic approaches. By consistently celebrating these achievements, the European Film Awards reinforce the continent's rich cinematic tradition and its enduring contribution to global culture.
The 38th European Film Awards in Berlin stand not just as an annual event but as a dynamic reflection of European cinema's evolving landscape. With a new strategic timing and an unwavering commitment to showcasing artistic excellence and diversity, the ceremony promises to be a memorable evening, uniting filmmakers and audiences in a collective appreciation of Europe's cinematic genius. The extensive livestream will ensure that this celebration resonates far beyond the walls of the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, bringing the best of European film directly to homes around the globe.
