The 37th European Film Awards, held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Lucerne, Switzerland, became a night of celebration for European cinema, with Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” taking center stage. The film won Best Film and four other major awards, making it the most awarded production of the evening. The ceremony, hosted by Fernando Tiberini, honored excellence across European filmmaking while showcasing the diversity of talent in the industry.
A Landmark Night for “Emilia Pérez”
“Emilia Pérez” is a groundbreaking musical crime drama from French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, exploring the gender transition of a South American cartel leader and the turmoil it creates among the women in his life. The film stood out for its innovative narrative and artistic execution, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.
Key Wins for “Emilia Pérez”:
- Best Film: The evening’s highest honor went to “Emilia Pérez”, marking it as a standout in European cinema for 2024.
- Best Director: Jacques Audiard was lauded for his visionary storytelling, blending crime, music, and emotional depth.
- Best Actress: Karla Sofía Gascón’s powerful portrayal of the titular character captivated audiences, making her a well-deserved winner in this category.
- Best Screenwriter: Audiard’s screenplay was celebrated for its originality and complexity.
- Best Editing: Juliette Welfling’s precise and seamless editing enhanced the film’s pacing and impact.
This film’s triumph signals a shift towards more inclusive and experimental storytelling in European cinema.
Runners-Up: “The Substance” Leads with Nominations
While “Emilia Pérez” claimed the most awards, Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” led the evening with several nominations, including European Film and European Screenwriter. Known for its gripping narrative and stunning technical achievements, the film won:
- Best Cinematography: Benjamin Kračun’s work was praised for its visual storytelling.
- Best Visual Effects: The team of Bryan Jones, Pierre Procoudine-Gorsky, Chervin Shafaghi, and Guillaume Le Gouez delivered remarkable visual artistry.
The science fiction thriller continues to gain traction in the industry, making waves for its innovative approach.
Animated Excellence: Latvia’s “Flow”
The Latvian animated feature “Flow” charmed audiences and critics alike, winning the award for European Animated Feature Film. A silent yet emotionally resonant story, it follows a black cat navigating a treacherous and surreal flooded world. With no spoken dialogue, the film relies heavily on visuals and sound design to convey its narrative, proving the universal language of cinema.
This win adds to “Flow”’s growing list of accolades, including recognition from the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Board of Review, further boosting its prospects for Oscar consideration.
Spotlight on Documentaries: “No Other Land”
The European Documentary Award went to “No Other Land”, a deeply moving Palestinian-Israeli documentary that chronicles five years of military violence in the southern West Bank. Despite lacking a U.S. distributor, the film has garnered international acclaim, including honors from the Gotham Awards, NYFCC, and NBR.
Its unflinching portrayal of real-world conflict and human resilience makes it a standout in the documentary genre.
Special Recognitions for Industry Icons
The ceremony celebrated individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped European cinema:
- European Achievement in World Cinema: Isabella Rossellini received this prestigious honor, presented by her “Conclave” co-star Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes highlighted Rossellini’s remarkable range, from her collaboration with David Lynch to her iconic short film series, “Green Porn.” Rossellini expressed her gratitude, calling the award a unique moment of personal recognition.
- European Lifetime Achievement Award: German filmmaker Wim Wenders was honored for his extraordinary career. Juliette Binoche, presenting the award, praised Wenders for making “getting lost feel like a thrill” in his films. Video tributes from Martin Scorsese, Willem Dafoe, and Nick Cave added heartfelt acknowledgment of his contributions to global cinema.
A Night of Diversity and Cultural Unity
Host Fernando Tiberini set the tone for the evening by addressing the audience in all the official languages of Switzerland—German, French, Italian, and Romansh. He encouraged winners to embrace their native languages during acceptance speeches, symbolizing the rich cultural tapestry of European cinema.
This emphasis on diversity was mirrored in the films and creators celebrated throughout the night. From the gender-affirming narrative of “Emilia Pérez” to the culturally rooted storytelling of “No Other Land”, the awards showcased a range of voices and perspectives.
Full List of Winners
Major Categories
- European Film: “Emilia Pérez” (France)
- European Director: Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”
- European Actress: Karla Sofía Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”
- European Actor: Abou Sangare, “Souleymane’s Story”
Technical Categories
- European Cinematography: Benjamin Kračun, “The Substance”
- European Editing: Juliette Welfling, “Emilia Pérez”
- European Production Design: Jagna Dobesz, “The Girl with the Needle”
- European Costume Design: Tanja Hausner, “The Devil’s Bath”
- European Makeup & Hair: Evalotte Oosterop, “When the Light Breaks”
- European Original Score: Frederikke Hoffmeier, “The Girl with the Needle”
- European Sound: Marc-Olivier Brullé et al., “Souleymane’s Story”
- European Visual Effects: “The Substance”
Other Categories
- European Animated Feature Film: “Flow” (Latvia)
- European Documentary: “No Other Land” (Palestine/Norway)
- European Short Film: “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” (Croatia)
- European Discovery (Prix FIPRESCI): “Armand” (Norway)
Celebrating European Cinema’s Future
The 37th European Film Awards not only honored cinematic excellence but also set a promising stage for the future of European filmmaking. With bold narratives, diverse voices, and groundbreaking technical achievements, the event underscored the global impact of European cinema. Films like “Emilia Pérez”, “Flow”, and “No Other Land” are not just European success stories—they are international inspirations.
The Information is Collected from Variety and Yahoo.
