European Film Awards 2020 highlight diverse cinema in pandemic times
In their 33rd year, the European Film Awards went virtual. The ceremony was held digitally from Berlin. The big winner of the night was Danish movie "Another Round." Germany meanwhile clinched the award for best actress.
'Another Round'
"Another Round" was the big winner of the EFAs 2020. The social satire directed by Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg follows four frustrated teacher friends who begin an alcohol experiment in their daily lives. The film won in all four categories it had been nominated in: best film, best director, best screenplay, and lead Mads Mikkelsen for best actor.
'Undine'
Paula Beer picked up the award for best actress for her performance in the German love drama "Undine." The film is partly set in Berlin and revives the ancient myth of the water spirit Undine. Director Christian Petzold's film had also been nominated for best film.
'Women Make Film'
One winner has already been announced — in a category that was newly introduced this year: Director Mark Cousins received the new award for "innovative storytelling" for his documentary "Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema." The European Film Academy called Cousins' project about overlooked female filmmakers "groundbreaking."
'Charlatan'
Around 3,800 members of the European Film Academy (EFA) vote for their favorite films each year. The drama "Charlatan," telling the story of a Czech healer and his political appropriation by changing regimes, was among the frontrunners for the best director prize. In the end, it failed to captivate the academy. Director Agnieszka Holland can now focus her energy on her new role as EFA president.
'Corpus Christi'
With four nominations, "Corpus Christi" was another favorite that - in the end - didn't quite make it. The film was nominated for best international film at the 92nd Academy Awards, and took 11 prizes at the Polish Eagles film awards. It tells the story of a young criminal who pretends to be a priest after his release — and in this role helps uncover the festering wound that is dividing a village.
'Martin Eden'
The Italian drama "Martin Eden," based on a Jack London novel, tells the story of a sailor's struggle to become a writer. Martin falls in love with wealthy, educated Elena, but his growing political awareness leads to conflict with her bourgeois family. The film received nominations for lead actor Luca Marinelli, for director Pietro Marcello and for best screenplay - all without success.
'Berlin Alexanderplatz'
The German drama "Berlin Alexanderplatz" was also vying for the best film award. Director Burhan Qurbani brought Alfred Döblin's eponymous early 20th century novel into the present, touching upon contemporary issues like migration.The film celebrated its premiere at the Berlinale and won five awards at the 2020 German Film Awards, but failed to wow the European Film Academy.
'Father'
Croatian actor Goran Bogdan plays a desperate father fighting for custody of his children in a corrupt social system. Bogdan was nominated for best actor for his convincing portrayal of the emotionally charged role, which was lauded by many critics. In the end, however, the film directed by Srdan Golubovic did not win any awards.