What is the European Film Awards?

The European Film Awards is an annual ceremony that celebrates the best in European cinema, organized by the European Film Academy.

Mark Cousins is an acclaimed Irish-Scottish filmmaker known for his innovative documentary work, including the 15-hour "The Story of Film: An Odyssey" and "Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema."

How will the 2026 European Film Awards be different?

The 2026 European Film Awards ceremony will be curated by Mark Cousins, who will lead a creative team to move away from the traditional award show format and instead create a "live film essay" that explores the question "why do we love cinema?"

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Mark Cousins to Curate Reimagined 2026 European Film Awards

22 Oct

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Summary

Irish-Scottish filmmaker Mark Cousins to curate 2026 European Film Awards
Event to explore "why do we love cinema?" with a creative team
Ceremony moved to January 2026 to align with awards season

Mark Cousins to Curate Reimagined 2026 European Film Awards

In a move to reposition and expand the European Film Awards, the European Film Academy has announced that acclaimed filmmaker Mark Cousins will curate the 38th edition of the ceremony, set to take place on January 17, 2026 in Berlin.

Cousins, known for his innovative documentary work, will lead a creative team that includes composer Dascha Dauenhauer and stage director Robert Lehniger. Together, they aim to move away from the traditional award show format, instead crafting a "live film essay" that explores the question "why do we love cinema?"

The date change, first announced in 2023 to come into force in 2026, means the European Film Awards will now take place just after the Golden Globes on January 11 and during the Oscar nomination voting period. This strategic shift is part of the Academy's efforts to increase the event's visibility and impact within the wider awards season.