Iranian director Jafar Panahi kicked off the 38th European Film Awards in Berlin on Saturday with an impassioned plea asking the world not to remain silent in the wake of the massacre unfolding in Iran.
His film It Was Just An Accident is one of the hot contenders at this year’s edition taking place in its new January slot placing it at the heart of the awards season.
Norwegian director Joachim Trier’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Sentimental Value is the frontrunner with nominations in the best film, director and screenplay, while co-stars Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård are nominated for best actress and actor, respectively.
Other strong contenders include Oliver Laxe’s Morocco-set drama Sirāt with four nominations, followed by Mascha Schilinski’s debut film Sound of Falling and Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident with three nominations each.
In first awards, Laura Carreira’s On Falling won the European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI, while the European Young Audience Award went to Greta Scarano’s Siblings.
Deadline is in Berlin covering the ceremony, check in here for live update.
2026 European Film Awards Winners:
European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI
ON FALLING (United Kingdom, Portugal)
Directed by Laura Carreira
European Young Audience Award
SIBLINGS (Italy)
Directed Greta Scarano
European Production Designer
Laia Ateca for Sirāt
European Costume Designer
Sabrina Krämer for Sound Of Falling