The 2026 European Film Awards ceremony in Berlin witnessed a historic sweep, with Italian director Michele Riondino's Sentimental Value claiming a staggering seven prizes. The poignant drama was the undisputed star of the night, securing the top honour of Best European Film alongside a host of other major awards.
A Night of Unprecedented Triumph
Riondino's film, a deeply personal story exploring family legacy and memory, achieved a feat rarely seen in the awards' history. Beyond the coveted Best Film trophy, the production collected awards for Best Director, Best Screenwriter, and Best Actor for Riondino himself, who also starred in the lead role. The film's success underscored a powerful trend towards intimate, auteur-driven storytelling resonating with European audiences and critics alike.
The ceremony, held at the Arena Berlin and presented by actor Mateusz Kościukiewicz, celebrated the best of continental cinema. While Sentimental Value dominated, other notable winners included French actress Zita Hanrot, who won Best European Actress for her role in The Rapture, and veteran German actor Burghart Klaußner, honoured with the European Achievement in World Cinema award.
Other Key Winners and Highlights
The award for Best European Documentary went to the Ukrainian film Intercepted by Oksana Karpovych, a powerful piece of cinema verité examining the impact of war. In the comedy category, the Belgian film When It Melts took home the prize, while the European Discovery – FIPRESCI Prize was awarded to Blaga's Lessons from Bulgaria.
The European Film Academy also took the opportunity to honour significant contributions to the industry. Producer Ulrike Putz received the Eurimages Co-Production Award, recognising her outstanding work in fostering international collaborations. Furthermore, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to legendary cinematographer Franco Di Giacomo, whose work has defined the visual language of Italian cinema for decades.
What This Means for European Cinema
The overwhelming success of Sentimental Value signals a clear appetite for narratives that blend the personal with the universal, told through distinct directorial vision. Riondino's multi-hyphenate win as director, writer, and actor highlights a versatile and compelling new voice being celebrated on the continent's biggest stage.
The awards also reinforced the diversity and political relevance of European filmmaking, with winners from Italy, France, Germany, Ukraine, Belgium, and Bulgaria. The recognition of films like Intercepted demonstrates the academy's commitment to projects that engage directly with contemporary social and geopolitical realities. This year's results set a high bar for artistic achievement and narrative ambition, promising an exciting future for the industry.
