The 38th European Film Awards in Berlin turned into a triumphant night for Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier. His drama Sentimental Value, already a Cannes Grand Prix winner, swept through the ceremony, claiming nearly every major honor and solidifying its place as one of the year’s most celebrated films.
A Night of Victories
Sentimental Value captured the top prize of Best Film, while Trier himself won Best Director. The screenplay, co-written with Eskil Vogt, earned Best Screenwriter, adding another accolade to the film’s impressive run.
The acting categories also belonged to the film. Stellan Skarsgård took home Best European Actor, and Renate Reinsve was awarded Best European Actress for her powerful performance. To complete the sweep, the film secured Best Score, making it the undisputed star of the evening.
Other Strong Contenders
Despite Trier’s dominance, the awards highlighted several noteworthy films. Spanish director Oliver Laxe’s Sirāt, set in Morocco, continued its strong award-season momentum. German filmmaker Mascha Schilinski’s debut Sound of Falling impressed with its bold storytelling, while Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident added international depth to the competition.
Other Winners
Beyond the headline categories, the ceremony honored a wide range of achievements. The Voice of Hind Rajab, directed by Andres Veiel, won Best Documentary for its powerful storytelling. In animation, Tales From the Magic Garden, directed by David Súkup, Patrik Pašš, Leon Vidmar, and Jean-Claude Rozec, charmed audiences and took home Best Animated Feature. Technical awards also shone a spotlight on innovation, with Songs of Slow Burning Earth recognized for cinematography and Sound of Falling praised for its sound design.
Conclusion
The European Film Awards 2025 showcased the diversity and strength of European cinema, but the night ultimately belonged to Joachim Trier. With Sentimental Value sweeping nearly every major category, the film has cemented its reputation as a defining work of the year.
