The 38th European Film Awards celebrated the best of European cinema on January 17, 2026, in Berlin. Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value was the night’s standout, taking home Best European Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and several other honors. The awards recognized both emerging talent and seasoned artists, including Liv Ullmann, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Alice Rohrwacher, who was honored for her contributions to world cinema. Beyond the big wins, the ceremony highlighted technical craftsmanship, documentaries, and animated features, emphasizing Europe’s diverse cinematic voices. This article dives into all the winners, standout moments, and what the awards signify for European filmmaking in 2026.
What Are the European Film Awards?
The European Film Awards (EFAs) are the premier celebration of European cinema, organized annually by the European Film Academy (EFA). They honor excellence across directing, acting, screenwriting, technical crafts, and storytelling. Often compared to the Oscars for Europe, the EFAs highlight films that may not dominate global box offices but make a significant cultural and artistic impact.
The awards are especially known for recognizing films with unique storytelling, cultural depth, and emotional resonance. They offer a platform for both veteran filmmakers and emerging talent, giving audiences a glimpse into the creative heartbeat of European cinema.
The 38th Edition: Where and When
The 38th European Film Awards were held at Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin, a venue befitting a celebration of international creativity. The ceremony brought together actors, directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and other industry professionals from across Europe to honor the achievements of the past year.
With an emphasis on inclusivity and artistic merit, the 2026 awards underscored Europe’s cinematic diversity, from intimate dramas to grand visual spectacles, and from emerging short films to innovative documentaries.
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Sentimental Value: The Night’s Big Winner
This year, Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value dominated the ceremony, sweeping several major categories and leaving an indelible mark on the evening. The family drama captured the hearts of voters and audiences alike, praised for its layered storytelling, emotional authenticity, and compelling performances.
Major Awards for Sentimental Value:
- Best European Film — Sentimental Value
- Best European Director — Joachim Trier
- Best European Actor — Stellan Skarsgård
- Best European Actress — Renate Reinsve
- Best Screenplay — Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt
- Best Original Score — Hania Rani
The film’s sweep reflected not only its technical and artistic excellence but also its emotional resonance, illustrating the power of character-driven storytelling in European cinema.
Story and Themes: Why Sentimental Value Resonated
Sentimental Value follows the story of an aging filmmaker attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter through a deeply personal project. The film explores themes of memory, legacy, family bonds, and creative expression, striking a chord with both critics and audiences.
The film’s ability to balance intimate personal drama with universal themes contributed to its success. Voters praised Trier’s ability to craft a story that is emotionally honest, visually compelling, and universally relatable — a hallmark of great European filmmaking.
Standout Performances
The acting in Sentimental Value was a highlight, and it’s no surprise the film swept the top acting awards.
Stellan Skarsgård — Best European Actor
Veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård portrayed the film’s patriarch, Gustav Borg, with a blend of vulnerability, wisdom, and emotional depth. Critics have hailed it as one of his most nuanced performances in recent years, and the EFA award recognizes his ability to anchor a film through subtle, transformative acting.
Renate Reinsve — Best European Actress
Renate Reinsve, already acclaimed for her role in The Worst Person in the World, delivered a compelling performance as the daughter navigating complex family dynamics. Her nuanced portrayal of internal conflict, warmth, and resilience helped the film connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Together, Skarsgård and Reinsve’s performances exemplified the emotional intimacy and authenticity that the EFAs often celebrate.
Other Notable Winners
While Sentimental Value dominated, the ceremony also celebrated other films for their artistry and innovation.
Technical and Craft Awards
- Best Cinematographer — Mauro Herce for Sirāt
- Best Editor — Cristóbal Fernández for Sirāt
- Best Production Designer — Laia Ateca for Sirāt
- Best Costume Designer — Sabrina Krämer for Sound of Falling
- Best Make-up & Hair Artist — Torsten Witte for Bugonia
These awards highlight the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship that elevates European cinema, emphasizing that strong visuals, sound, and production design are integral to storytelling.
Animation, Documentary, and Short Film
- Best European Animated Feature — Arco
- Best European Documentary — Fiume o morte!
- Best European Short Film — City of Poets
These categories celebrated innovation and creativity across formats, showcasing how European filmmakers push the boundaries of traditional storytelling while engaging audiences of all ages.
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Emerging Talent and Audience Recognition
- European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI — On Falling by Laura Carreira
- European Young Audience Award — Siblings
Recognizing emerging voices ensures the next generation of filmmakers receives support and visibility, keeping European cinema vibrant and forward-looking.
Lifetime Achievement and Special Honors
The EFAs also honored legends of cinema:
- Liv Ullmann — European Lifetime Achievement Award
Renowned Norwegian actress and director Liv Ullmann received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades-long contribution to film, including her iconic collaborations with Ingmar Bergman. - Alice Rohrwacher — European Achievement in World Cinema
Italian director Alice Rohrwacher was recognized for her influential body of work, reflecting the global impact of European storytellers.
These honors celebrate not only recent work but enduring artistic legacy and international influence.
European Film Awards and Their Global Significance
Winning an EFA can significantly elevate a film’s profile internationally. Past EFA winners often go on to receive Oscar and BAFTA recognition, and this year’s sweep by Sentimental Value positions it as a major contender in global awards circuits.
The EFAs highlight films that combine artistic merit with cultural resonance, reaffirming Europe’s role as a hub for cinematic innovation and storytelling excellence.
Why Sentimental Value Matters
Sentimental Value exemplifies the power of emotionally driven storytelling in European cinema. Its success at the EFAs underscores several key trends in contemporary filmmaking:
- Character-driven narratives resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike.
- Collaboration across disciplines, from music and cinematography to acting, is essential for creating a fully realized cinematic experience.
- European cinema continues to balance cultural specificity with universal themes, making it accessible and meaningful worldwide.
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FAQs
What are the European Film Awards?
The EFAs are annual awards presented by the European Film Academy to honor outstanding achievements in European filmmaking across multiple categories including acting, directing, writing, and technical crafts.
Which film won Best European Film at the 38th European Film Awards?
Sentimental Value won Best European Film, along with multiple other major awards.
Who won Best Director, Actor, and Actress?
- Best Director: Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value)
- Best Actor: Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)
- Best Actress: Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value)
Were there other notable winners?
Yes. Technical awards went to films like Sirāt, while Arco won Best Animated Feature, Fiume o morte! won Best Documentary, and City of Poets won Best Short Film.
Who received lifetime or special awards?
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Liv Ullmann
- European Achievement in World Cinema: Alice Rohrwacher
Why is Sentimental Value considered so important?
It combines emotional storytelling, outstanding performances, and technical craftsmanship, reflecting Europe’s tradition of character-driven, culturally resonant cinema.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
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