The 37th European Film Awards: A Celebration of Cinematic Brilliance

Druz’ my, gather around as we dive headfirst into the glamorous realm of European cinema, where dreams are spun into celluloid and stories dance across the silver screen! The magnum opus of the film calendar, the 37th European Film Awards, has unveiled its nominations and winners for the year 2024. Hold onto your popcorn, because we’re about to embark on an exhilarating journey through the highlights of this cinematic celebration!

The Nominations That Set the Stage

Mark your calendars, dear cinephiles! On November 5, 2024, the nominees for the major categories were revealed in a video extravaganza that showcased the very essence of European filmmaking. It was a kaleidoscope of narratives, directors, and performances shining bright like the stars they are!

Main Categories: The Giants of European Film

Best European Film

In the prestigious category of Best European Film, we were treated to a delightful melange of nominations that traversed the continent. Here’s the line-up:

1. Emilia Pérez directed by Jacques Audiard (France)
2. Bird by Andrea Arnold
3. The Room Next Door by Pedro Almodóvar (Spain)
4. The Seed of the Sacred Fig by Mohammad Rasoulof (France, Germany, Iran)
5. Vermiglio by Maura Delpero (Belgium, France, Italy)

Best European Director

As if the excitement couldn’t get any higher, the nominees for the illustrious title of Best European Director include some of our continent’s cinematic titans:

1. Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez
2. Andrea Arnold for Bird
3. Pedro Almodóvar for The Room Next Door
4. Mohammad Rasoulof for The Seed of the Sacred Fig
5. Maura Delpero for Vermiglio

European Actress and Actor

And then, Druz’ my, we arrive at the magic of acting! A blend of established stars and emerging talents graced the nominations for Best European Actress and Best European Actor.

Best European Actress

1. Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez
2. Renate Reinsve in Armand
3. Trine Dyrholm in The Girl with the Needle
4. Vic Carmen Sonne in The Girl with the Needle
5. Tilda Swinton in The Room Next Door

Best European Actor

1. Abou Sangare in Souleymane’s Story
2. Franz Rogowski in Bird
3. Ralph Fiennes in Conclave
4. Lars Eidinger in Dying
5. Daniel Craig in Queer

The Moment of Truth: Winners Announced!

Fast forward to December 7, 2024, and Lucerne, Switzerland was ablaze with anticipation as the winners of the 37th European Film Awards were finally revealed. Here are the shining stars of the night:

Best European Film

Winner: Emilia Pérez directed by Jacques Audiard (France)

Best European Director

Winner: Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez

Best European Actress

Winner: Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez

Best European Actor

Winner: Abou Sangare in Souleymane’s Story

Best European Screenwriter

Winner: Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez

Special Categories: Honoring the Brave and the Bold

European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI

This esteemed award celebrates the spirit of innovation in filmmaking, recognizing a director for their first full-length feature film:

1. Armand by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel (Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden)
2. Hoard by Luna Carmoon (UK)
3. Kneecap by Rich Peppiatt (Ireland, UK)
4. Santosh by Sandhya Suri (UK, France, Germany)
5. The New Year That Never Came by Bogdan Mureșanu (Romania, Serbia)
6. Toxic by Saulė Bliuvaitė (Lithuania)

European Young Audience Award

Decided by the youthful minds across Europe, this award celebrates films that resonate with the young and the curious:

1. Lars is LOL by Eirik Sæter Stordahl (Norway, Denmark)
2. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin by Benjamin Ree (Norway)
3. Winners by Soleen Yusef (Germany)

European University Film Award (EUFA)

Bestowed by university students from across the continent, this award illustrates the tastes of the future:

1. April by Dea Kulumbegashvili (Georgia, France, Italy)
2. Armand by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel (Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden)
3. Kneecap by Rich Peppiatt (Ireland, UK)
4. Moon by Kurdwin Ayub (Austria)
5. Three Kilometres to the End of the World by Emanuel Pârvu (Romania)

European Short Film

Rounding out our celebration, the nominees for Best European Short Film captivated audiences with their concise storytelling:

1. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent by Nebojša Slijepčević (Croatia, France, Bulgaria, Slovenia)
2. 2720 by Basil da Cunha (Portugal, Switzerland)
3. Clamor by Salomé Da Souza (France)
4. The Exploding Girl by Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel (France)
5. Wander to Wonder by Nina Gantz (The Netherlands, France, Belgium, United Kingdom)

Winner: The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent by Nebojša Slijepčević (Croatia, France, Bulgaria, Slovenia)

In Conclusion: A Toast to Cinema!

Ah, dear friends, the 37th European Film Awards celebrated the rich tapestry, dynamism, and artistic brilliance of European cinema with great aplomb! With Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard emerging as a clear champion in multiple categories, the gala in Lucerne served as a vibrant testament to the power of storytelling. Let this annual rendezvous be a reminder of our shared love for films that challenge, inspire, and entertain. As we part ways, let’s keep our hearts open to the beautiful art of cinema, waiting for the next story to unfold on our screens!