The 38th European Film Awards, often referred to as Europe’s equivalent to the Oscars, are set to take place this Saturday in Berlin. This year, the European Film Academy has made a significant change by moving the event to better align it with the international awards season, which is currently in full swing following the Golden Globes.
This shift is long overdue. While the European Film Awards have often been overshadowed in the awards conversation, 2026 marks a new chapter for the EFAs. The focus is now on celebrating European productions and recognizing their artistic value. These films are not only equal to Hollywood offerings but often surpass them in creativity and storytelling.
Despite the lack of oversized budgets, many of last year’s most memorable films came from Europe. When we compiled our list of the 20 favorite films of 2025, we were impressed by the quality and diversity of European cinema. Even though the glitzy Oscars will likely dominate the headlines, the artistic merit and boldness of European films prove that they are among the finest in the world.
Let’s be honest—this year’s US awards season seems to be a foregone conclusion. It’s time to give "One Battle After Another" all the accolades it deserves. Let Timothée Chalamet finally win an Oscar for "Marty Supreme," which he has earned after an intense marketing campaign. And let’s continue to celebrate "Sinners" as much as possible.
When it comes to the European Film Awards, the lineup features a more diverse and exciting selection of films, many of which have gone unnoticed. Consider "Dog of God," a stunning comedy-horror animation by Raitis and Lauris Abele, or "Little Amelie," an adaptation of Amelie Nothomb’s novel by Mailys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han. These films are among the 15 movies competing for the main award, Best European Film.
While they may not be the favorites, their inclusion highlights how many exceptional European productions the EFAs bring to light. These films deserve better and wider distribution so that audiences can experience these real gems.
This year, the favorites for Best European Film include Joachim Trier’s emotional family drama "Sentimental Value," which has already earned Swedish legend Stellan Skarsgård a Golden Globe. It also showcases Renate Reinsve as one of the most magnetic screen presences around. Oliver Laxe’s post-apocalyptic odyssey "Sirāt" and Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning thriller "It Was Just An Accident" are also strong contenders.
We predict "Sentimental Value" will win, as it has already generated a lot of awards buzz in the US. It will likely face off against Kleber Mendonça Filho’s "The Secret Agent" for the coveted Oscar for Best International Feature Film.
All of this underscores the need for more attention to the EFAs. This year, the ceremony has a date that matches its stature on the international stage. While more hype and marketing would be beneficial, the EFAs are still in their 38th year. With their new position in the awards calendar and a stellar set of nominees, it’s clear that the EFAs deserve to be mentioned alongside the Oscars.
Stay tuned to Culture as we cover the ceremony in Berlin this Saturday night, bringing you exclusive interviews with this year’s nominees.