Joachim Trier’s film “Sentimental Value” triumphed at the 38th European Film Awards held in Berlin on Saturday, taking home the prestigious title of Best European Film. Trier also secured the Best European Director award, while the film’s writing team, consisting of Trier and Eskil Vogt, earned the Best European Screenwriter honor. The talented cast was recognized as well, with Stellan Skarsgård winning Best European Actor and Renate Reinsve being named Best European Actress. Additionally, Hania Rani received accolades for her work as Best European Composer, contributing the original score for the film.
The ceremony featured a notable moment when Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who received nominations for both Best European Director and Best European Screenwriter for his film “It Was Just an Accident,” opened the event. Panahi was greeted with a standing ovation as he delivered a heartfelt statement highlighting the urgent situation in Iran. He condemned the violent actions of the Iranian regime against protesters and urged the international community to take a stand against such atrocities. “When the truth is crushed in one place, freedom suffocates everywhere,” he declared, emphasizing the global implications of unchecked violence.
Adding to the evening’s accolades, Liv Ullmann was honored with the European Lifetime Achievement award, recognized for her remarkable contributions to cinema, notably her collaborations with renowned director Ingmar Bergman. In a pointed commentary, Ullmann referenced the Nobel Prize, hinting at controversies involving former U.S. President Donald Trump, which added a layer of political commentary to the celebrations.
Italian director Alice Rohrwacher was acknowledged with the European Achievement in World Cinema Award, marking her significant impact on the cinematic landscape.
The event celebrated a range of films and talents, with winners across various categories including Best European Animated Feature, awarded to “Arco,” and Best European Documentary, which went to “Fiume o morte!”
The European Film Awards showcased not only artistic excellence but also the commitment of filmmakers to address pressing global issues, reinforcing the power of cinema as a platform for change and dialogue. This year’s event illustrated the resilience and creativity of the European film industry, further solidifying its role in shaping cultural discourse both within and beyond the continent.